Population Pyramids

What is a Population Pyramid? A population pyramid, is a horizontal bar graph that illustrates the distribution of different age groups in a population, showing the number of males on the left and of females on the right

How PP Work... Bar graphs are a handy way to illustrate numbers. For example, if we were to graph the number of males in Canada for various age groups according to the 1961 Census, the result would be the illustrations to the left.

How PP Work...Con’t For example, if we were to graph the number of females in Canada for various age groups according to the 1961 Census, the result would be the illustrations to the left.

Ta Da! A Population Pyramid! This population pyramid shows at a glance the distribution of the Canadian population in 1961.

Why Study Population Pyramids?

What do PPs tell us? By analysing population pyramids and identifying trends, we can learn a lot about our society. These statistics give governments and others one of the tools they need to make informed decisions that will affect lives today and in the future. # of dependents aka kids! (15 and under) Social trend towards having larger/smaller families # of retirees (65 and over), CCP a month after birthday.

Different Types of Pyramids...

Expansive A broad base, indicating a high proportion of children, a rapid rate of population growth, and a low proportion of older people. Example: Nunavut

Stable Growth A structure with indentations that even out and reflect slow growth over a period. Example: Northwest Territories

Stationary A narrow base and roughly equal numbers in each age group, tapering off at older ages Example: Manitoba

Declining A high proportion of older aged persons and declining numbers Example: Newfoundland & Labrador