How do we show population on a graph? What you need to know: What a population pyramid is and what information it shows How to read a population pyramid Why we need population pyramids How the shapes of population pyramids vary depending on which country you are in.

Population Structure Population structure can be shown as a population pyramid, :

Features of a population pyramid. Population is divided into 5 year age groups. Population is divided into males and females. The percentage of each age /sex group is given.

Shows birth rate and infant mortality Shows how the birth rate has changed – this is what it was some years ago. Shows how many people are working or economically active. These people support the young and old dependents. This shows death rate and life expectancy.

anim/pop_ani.htm esex/tables.cfm#animations

Describe and explain the main features of the population pyramid above. (4marks)

A good answer? This population pyramid has a very wide base, showing that this country has a high birth rate - probably with more than four children per family. The pyramid then narrows in the 5 – 9 and 10 – 14. This is not because birth rates were lower in these years but instead because of high infant mortality. Then there is a sharp indent in the male side from 15 years upwards. This could be because there has been a recent conflict and men of fighting age have been killed. It could also mean that men have migrated to other countries to get jobs. The population pyramid has a very narrow top showing high death rates and low life expectancy. All of these factors show that this pyramid is likely to be a LEDC. This is a good answer in that it does more than just describe the main features of the country involved. It is OK to say something might have caused the indent, as it shows the examiner you have understood this feature. The answer also mentions the reasons for the very wide base and the narrowing of the top which is likely to show a low life expectancy.

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(choose your country)