Do you think giving away "cheap land" is a good way to populate a country? Why or why not?

It depends on the quality of the land.

Explanation:

If the land has good fertile soil and a good amount of vegetation then yes, it is a very good way to populate a country and make its economy larger. If the land does not have good fertile soil and not a good mount of vegetation then no, you will not get many costumers and few people will be interested.