Population Pyramids What information is shown on a population pyramid. How can do you interpret the information shown on a population pyramid.

Keywords Population pyramid - a diagram for representing the age distribution of a population. Young dependents – people aged and rely on the working population to support them. Old dependents – people aged 60 – 80+ and rely on the working population to support them Working population – people aged 15 – 59 and support the young and old dependents.

Key Points The shape of a population pyramid is very important and can tell us a lot about the people living in a particular country or place. The shape of a population pyramid gives us information about birth and death rates as well as life expectancy. A population pyramid tells us how many dependants there are living in an area. There are two groups of dependants; young dependants (aged below 15) and elderly dependants (aged over 65). dependants Those of working age are classed as economically active. Dependants rely upon the economically active for economic support.economically active Many LEDCs have a high number of young dependants, whilst many MEDCs have a growing number of elderly dependants.

How may a pyramid change over time? A population pyramid that is very triangular illustrates a population with a high number of young dependants and a low life expectancy. A population pyramid that has fairly straight sides (more like a barrel) illustrates a population with a falling birth rate and a rising life expectancy. Over time, as a country develops, the shape of its population pyramid changes from a triangular shape to a barrel-like shape with straighter edges. Places that are experiencing an ageing population and a very low birth rate may have a population structure that looks a little like an upside-down pyramid.

Task p Key Geography 1 1) Draw and label population pyramid for UK 2) Draw the population pyramid for India Now label it correctly using the text below The wide base indicates a high proportion of children Large families reflect the low status of women, early marriages, lack of education and little family planning available The steep sides show that the death rate is high for both the young and adults Life expectancy is also low with few people reaching old age High death rates reflect the lack of medication, clean water and regular food supplies Populations are growing rapidly and in the case of Nigeria are expected to double in 25 years

The wide base indicates a high proportion of children Large families reflect the low status of women, early marriages, lack of education and little family planning available The steep sides show that the death rate is high for both the young and adults Life expectancy is also low with few people reaching old age High death rates reflect the lack of medication, clean water and regular food supplies Populations are growing rapidly and in the case of India are expected to double in 25 years

Plenery What information is shown on a population pyramid? How can do you interpret the information shown on a population pyramid?