But our schools, hospitals, housing and transport cannot possibly cope with such a rapid population surge.

The city has seen a population surge in recent years, pricing disaffected locals out of homes and leaving a crumbling infrastructure.

The population surge increased the demand for meat spurring expanded cattle ranching on the territory's vast open ranges.

At the turn of the century, the population surge plateaued and industry began to stagnate.

This, however, generates further puzzles - because societies that switch to farming usually see their populations surge as food gets more plentiful.