How to Analyze Population Pyramids: A Step-by-Step Method

Introduction

A population pyramid is a bar graph that illustrates the population structure by age and gender in a specific location at a given time. This population pyramid corresponds to _____________ in ______________. The total population of this country, region, or city is __________ inhabitants.

The vertical axis displays the population in 5-year age intervals, with the exception of the final group, which includes the population over _____ years old.

The horizontal axis shows values, usually expressed as a percentage of the total population, though it can also be expressed in millions of people. The left side of the graph represents the number of males in each age group, while the right side represents females.

Birth Rate

This population pyramid shows a...

Ageing

Bars representing the young population...

Gender

Bars representing the female population aged 65 and over are...

Death Rate

There are two primary scenarios to consider:

• Expanding Pyramid: Bars are much shorter starting at middle age ranges and almost disappear at ages 85 and over. This indicates a low life expectancy and a high death rate.
• Contracting Pyramid: Bars are longer in the middle age ranges and remain quite long as the age range increases. This indicates a high life expectancy and a low death rate. We can therefore predict a higher death rate in the future due to a large older population.

Conclusion

• Expanding Pyramid: In conclusion, this is an expanding pyramid. A significant natural increase can be predicted. A high birth rate ensures generational replacement. This is characteristic of less developed countries.
• Contracting Pyramid: In conclusion, this is a contracting pyramid. A slow or negative natural increase is anticipated. A small young population and a large older population with a high life expectancy suggest that generational replacement is not guaranteed. This is characteristic of developed countries.