Analysis of 2010 Population Pyramid Trends and Demographics

Population Structure in 2010

The type of pyramid is regressive or falling, as it has a narrow base and a bulge in the adult age groups. This type is characteristic of developed countries with strong and constant birth control, which is manifested in the bars at the base, and a high life expectancy reflected in the upper bars.

Age Structure and Dependency Ratios

In the structure of the population by age, it is seen that the number of the population under 25 years is similar to those over 65. On the other hand, as the population group aged 65 years is very large, the dependency ratio (the ratio of children and the elderly to the adult population) is also quite high. The group of the adult population of working age is the largest, which is manifested in the form of an urn or bulb-shaped pyramid.

The small number of young people is explained by the strong birth control that started around 1975 and which is manifested in the population group of 30-35 years. The large number of people over 65 years reflects a high life expectancy, especially in women, due to improved health, hygiene, food, and retirement benefits.

Historical and Demographic Impacts

The bars for groups of people between 35 and 50 years reflect the "baby boom" of the 60s, which occurred after the crisis of the war had passed. Finally, the lower bars for groups of 55 to 75 years reflect the demographic consequences of the Civil War and the "hollow generation" of the post-war period.

Distribution by Sex

In the distribution of population by sex, there is an increased number of the male population because of the greater number of male births. This majority is maintained until age 25; from this age, the differences disappear and then reverse after age 50. The reasons are:

• Biological character: Male genetic weakness during the first years of life.
• Socioeconomic development: Historically later entry of women into the workforce and certain social habits.

Socio-Economic Consequences

Among the most important consequences of this population structure is the increase in dependent elderly people, whose support lies with the population group that tends to decrease. As a result, there is an increased tax burden to maintain the welfare state (including old-age retirement benefits, health care, and education).

Other consequences are more political or social, such as a trend toward conservatism due to the aging of the population or the need for the incorporation of workers from other countries in the absence of young people. That is why governments often implement pro-natalist policies to encourage the birth rate, as has been done in other European countries, including:

• Subsidies for housing and schools.
• Wage labor adjustments.
• Increased maternity leave.