Population pyramids

Question 1

Name the 2 pieces of information shown on population pyramids

Answer 1

Age (shown up the Y axis, normally in bands of 5 years) and Gender (male/female split)

Question 2

Population structure

Answer 2

This is how the population is divided by both age and gender and is shown on a population pyramid

Question 3

Narrow base

Answer 3

A pyramid with a narrow base has a low birth rate as few people are being added at the bottom.

Question 4

Wide top

Answer 4

This shows an aging population. These are not sustainable and have a large dependency ratio due to the number of retired individuals.

Question 5

Tower shape

Answer 5

This is seen in stage 4 of the DTM as a result of low birth and death rates and a population which is beginning to age.

Question 6

China’s shape

Answer 6

Because of the effective one child policy China’s pyramid currently has a wide middle. This will eventually become a wide top and make their population unsustainable.

Question 7

Migration

Answer 7

In migration causes a pyramid to have a wide middle as most of those who migrate will be of working age and ready to move for work or similar.

Question 8

More women

Answer 8

Towards the top of the population pyramid we see more women than men as in general females have a higher life expectancy.

Question 9

Over 95’s

Answer 9

This bracket is always the smallest as very few people currently make it to this age due to illness of accident.