Population Structure

Topics
Ageing populations

Ageing populations refer to societies with a rising proportion of elderly individuals, often due to
declining birth rates and longer life expectancy.

This demographic shift poses challenges for healthcare systems, pension schemes, and
workforce shortages.
Impacts include increased demand for senior services, potential strain on social security, and
changes in family structures.
Government policies may focus on promoting healthy ageing, encouraging immigration, and
reforming retirement systems.
Ageing populations can lead to shifts in consumer markets, with an emphasis on products
and services catering to older demographics.

Demographic Transition Model

The Demographic Transition Model illustrates the stages of population growth, from high birth
and death rates to low rates, as societies progress economically and socially.

Consists of four or five stages, including high stationary, early expanding, late expanding, low
stationary, and possibly a fifth stage of decline.
Factors such as healthcare, education, and economic development influence a country's
progression through the stages.
Birth rates typically decrease first, followed by a decline in death rates, leading to overall
population growth.
The model helps predict future population trends and can inform policy decisions related to
healthcare, education, and social welfare.

Falling birth rates

Falling birth rates refer to a decline in the average number of births per woman, impacting
population growth and potentially leading to demographic challenges.

Falling birth rates are influenced by factors such as increased access to education and
healthcare.
Differences in cultural norms and societal perceptions about family size can also affect birth
rates.
Economic conditions, including job stability and cost of living, play a significant role in
declining birth rates.
Governments may implement policies to address falling birth rates, such as pro-natalist
 initiatives to encourage higher birth rates.

Migration impacts

Migration impacts refer to the social, economic, political consequences of people moving from
one place to another, shaping societies and cultures.

Impacts can include changes in population demographics, labor markets, cultural diversity,
and political dynamics.
Migration impacts are complex and vary depending on factors like the scale of migration,
types of migrants, and receiving communities.
Positive impacts of migration can include cultural exchange, economic growth, and labor
market flexibility.
Negative impacts may involve strains on infrastructure, social tensions, and challenges
related to integration and discrimination.

Population Pyramids

Population Pyramids are graphical representations of a population's age and gender distribution,
typically displayed as stacked bar graphs showing the percentage or number of people in each
age group.

Developed countries commonly have an inverted pyramid shape due to low birth rates and
longer life expectancy.
Developing nations often exhibit a pyramid shape with a wide base, indicating high birth rates
and shorter life expectancy.
Population pyramids help analyze population trends, predict future demographic patterns,
and assist in resource planning and policy-making.
Demographic transition theory can be illustrated through changes in population pyramid
shapes as countries progress through stages of development.

Population Structure

Population structure analyzes the composition of a population including age, gender, ethnicity,
and occupation to understand the demographic makeup of a region.

It helps in predicting future population trends.

It assists in resource allocation and urban planning decisions.
Population pyramids are used to visualize age and gender distributions.
It influences social and economic policies.

Key Terms
Dependency Ratio
The dependency ratio measures the proportion of non-working age population compared to the
working age population, influencing social welfare and economic stability.

A high dependency ratio can strain public resources and services.

Dependency ratios are typically categorized as youth dependency ratio and elderly
dependency ratio.
A low dependency ratio can indicate a better economic outlook and higher standards of
living.
Changes in the dependency ratio can impact government policies and health care systems.

Economically active population

The economically active population refers to individuals within a certain age range who are either
employed, seeking employment, or involved in entrepreneurship.

Economically active individuals contribute directly to a country's workforce and overall

economic productivity.
This population segment plays a vital role in driving economic growth and supporting various
industries.
Economic indicators often rely on data related to the economically active population for
analysis and forecasting.
Policies and programs are developed to support and enhance the participation of the
economically active population in the economy.

High-Income Countries

High-income countries are nations with a high GDP per capita and advanced industrialization,
characterized by high standards of living and access to services.

High-income countries are typically located in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia
Pacific.
These countries have well-developed infrastructure and technology.
Citizens of high-income countries have access to quality education, healthcare, and social
welfare systems.
High-income countries often have a high level of urbanization and a diverse economy
characterized by service and knowledge-based industries.

Low-Income Countries

Low-income countries are nations with a significantly lower average income compared to other
countries.

Low-income countries are often characterized by high poverty rates and limited access to
education, healthcare, and basic resources.
 These countries typically have a less developed infrastructure and rely heavily on agriculture
as a main source of income.
Many low-income countries are located in Africa, but there are also significant numbers in
Asia and Latin America.
International aid and development initiatives often target low-income countries to address
poverty and foster economic growth.

Middle-Income Countries

Middle-income countries are nations that have a moderate level of economic development and
income per capita.

Middle-income countries fall between low-income and high-income countries on the

economic spectrum.
They typically have a growing middle class and a moderately developed infrastructure.
These countries often have diverse economies with a mix of agriculture, industry, and
services.
They may face challenges such as income inequality, limited access to education and
healthcare, and unstable governance.

Old dependents

Old dependents refer to elderly individuals who rely on working-age populations for support,
impacting societal structures and welfare systems.

Old dependents pose challenges related to healthcare, pension sustainability, and workforce
availability.
They result from declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy.
Their presence can strain public resources and require adjustments in policies and social
programs.
Addressing the needs of old dependents is crucial for maintaining a balanced and
sustainable society.

Population Pyramid

A population pyramid is a graphical representation of the age and sex distribution of a

population, with younger ages at the bottom and older ages at the top.

It shows the percentage of males and females in each age group.

It can reveal the demographic trends of a population, such as high or low birth rates.
Population pyramids can be used to analyze the impact of aging populations on social and
economic systems.
It helps to understand the potential labor force and dependency ratio of a country.

Pro-Natalist Policies
Pro-Natalist Policies are government strategies designed to increase the birth rate within a
country or region through incentives and support.

Examples include financial incentives, parental leave policies, and child-rearing support
programs.
These policies aim to address declining birth rates, aging populations, and potential labor
shortages.
Impact can be seen in demographic shifts, workforce sustainability, and economic growth.
It is a controversial topic due to ethical considerations, gender equality issues, and potential
criticisms of government intervention.

Young dependents

Young dependents refer to children under a certain age who rely on adults for care, financial
support, and guidance.

They are typically not yet old enough to be part of the workforce.
These individuals are often in school or receiving childcare.
High numbers of young dependents can place strain on a society's resources.
Government policies may target support and services towards this demographic.