Population Pyramids

What is a population pyramid?

A population pyramid is a pyramid-shaped diagram illustrating the age distribution of a population; the youngest ages
are at the bottom ascending in age till the oldest age at the top of the pyramid.

Key Features:

Age structure: The number of individuals of each age in the population, can predict the growth or decline of the
population

Sex ratio: The proportion of males and females and it can influence population growth and happiness of cultures
 Types of Population Pyramids
A population pyramid shows the age and gender of a society. Population pyramids allow geographers analyze a place
and identify its rate of growth. There are three types of growth; rapid, slow/stable and negative/declining. Below are
examples of each stage.

Rapid Growth Population Pyramid

Shape: Looks like a typical pyramid with a large base
that gets smaller as you ascend. This type of population
typically has poor health care and short life
expectancies. Mostly found in under developed and
developing countries.
Age Ratio: Large proportion of young high young
dependency ratio
Sex Ratio: Balance sex ratio
Implications: Clear need for investment into water
supplies, health care, food supplies, housing to reduce
death rates and family planning to reduce birth rate.
Examples: Kenya, India

Negative or Declining Growth Population Pyramid

Shape: “Rocket shape” This type of population pyramid is mostly
found in developed countries. These countries have good health
care, long life expectancies and stable governments. However,
their birth rates are lower than needed to replace the population.
Age Ratio: Large proportion of working
Population, low proportion of young dependents
Sex Ratio: Mostly balanced pyramid, often higher older female
population.
Implications: Aging population is taxing on the health care
system. May not be enough workers to keep the society
functioning, typically become dependent on migrant workers.
Examples: Germany, Japan

Slow or Stable Growth Population Pyramid

Shape: “Beehive shape” There is little change in the

lower sections of the pyramid. Only after the upper ages
do you see a marked change in population. This type of
population pyramid is mostly found in developed
countries sometimes middle income countries. These
countries have good health care, long life expectancies
and stable governments.
Age Ratio: Bars of equal length – Balance Proportion
Sex Ratio: Balance pyramid - Balance Sex Ratio
Implications: Sustainable, positive outlook
Examples: United States
 1. List that country’s name here: _____________________________________

a. What age group has the largest population? _________________________________________________

b. Why might this age group be the largest? ___________________________________________________

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c. What age group has the largest population for males? ________________________________________

d. What age group has the largest population for females? _______________________________________

What observations can you make about this country’s health care system and life expectancy? ____________________

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Population Pyramids Comparisons
Answer the following questions below using your population pyramids.

2. From your notes, Identify the which countries are:

a. Rapid Growth _________________________________________________________________________

Why? ________________________________________________________________________________

b. Stable Growth _________________________________________________________________________

Why? ________________________________________________________________________________

c. Negative Growth _______________________________________________________________________

Why? ________________________________________________________________________________

3. Why are there, generally, more females than males in the older age groups? _____________________________

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4. What could a negative growth country do to increase the population of the younger age groups to become more

stable? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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5. What infrastructures might a rapid growth country improve to stem the high infant mortality rate allowing their

growth to become more stable? _________________________________________________________________

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6. What factors must a stable growth country focus on to remain stable? __________________________________

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