Population Pyramids

Population Pyramid: A graph that shows population by age group

Population pyramids are actually two bar graphs joined together

They show males on one side and females on the other.

Population Pyramids

There are three general types:

Expanding

Stable

Contracting

Expanding: Showing growing populations

Expanding pyramids can be broken down to include rapidly, and steady expanding

The middle section tends to be narrow, suggesting high death rate.

They show lots of children, suggesting a high birth rate

They also show a low life expectancy.

How do you tell its expanding?

In other words, the young (<15) outnumber those in the fertility group (15-39 yrs).

The base is wider then the middle section – True pyramid shape

These countries are developing and have a lower standard of living.

Why is this?

Stationary: These pyramids show a stable population, there is very little growth.

Birth and death rates decline but life expectancy increases

These are common in developed countries

Base and middle section are almost equal

Why?

Contracting: Population pyramids that represent a population that is shrinking

Common in very developed countries, with High education levels and access to birth control and few negative environmental factors.

Base more narrow then middle section

The population is older on average (graying), with a long life expectancy but also a low birth rate

Another quick look

PRACTICE

Classify each as expanding, stationary or contracting.

Which would have the lowest standard of living? Why?

Which would have the highest standard of living? Why?

Which would resemble Canada? Iceland? Afghanistan?

The answers !!

Stationary

Iceland

Expanding

Afghanistan

Lowest Standard of Living

Contracting

Canada

Highest Standard of Living

Review: Reading a Pyramid

Height: indicates life expectancy

Width of the base: birth rate (wide vs. narrow)

Shape of sides: indicate death rate (concave vs. convex, wide vs. narrow)

Bumps in the sides: indicate demographic anomaly...irregularities, events

Type: Compare base and middle!!

Canada’s Population Pyramid

Video

The population pyramid for Canada can be classified as stationary.

There is an anomaly in the bump that can be seen in the population aged 30-40

These are the children of the baby boom

Other than this bump all evidence points toward a stationary population pyramid

It is rectangular in shape leading up from the base with a peak at the top.

Compare “population pyramid shape”

& standard of living.

Generally speaking stable/contracting populations are characteristic of a high standard of living due to:

Low birth rate due to good family planning, access and affordability of birth control, financial & career planning, education, etc.Low death rate due to good medical care, nutrition, education, sanitation etc., etc..

Generally speaking an expanding population is characteristic of a lower standard of living.

High birth rate due to poor access and expense of birth control, lack of education etc.High death rate due to poor medical care, education & nutrition, lack of sanitation etc., etc..