1.3 population structure Flashcards
What is population structure
The composition of a population, the most important elements of which are age and sex
Population pyramid
A bar chart arranged vertically, that shows the distribution of a population by age and sex
Dependency ratio
The ratio of the number of people under 15 and over 64 years to those 15-64 years of age
How is the structure of a population influenced
Mortality
Migration
Fertility
What does a large amount of young people on the population pyramid tell us
These young people have to be housed, fed, educated and looked after- this all cost governmental money.
Tip for describing a population pyramid
When describing and explaining population pyramids a good starting point is to divide the pyramid into three sections: the young dependant
the elderly dependent
and the economically active
Dependency ratio formula
population 0-14 + population aged 65 and over
——————————————————-
population aged 15-64
CASE STUDY: A COUNTRY WITH A HIGH DEPENDENT POPULATION. GAMBIA
95% of population are Muslim. Until recently religious leader were against the use of contraception. due to culture women had little say on family size. Children are seen as asset to help farm dependency ratio is 92 unemployment is high parents struggle to provide housing desertification