Riddle me This…
What is special about these words?
job, polish, herb
Starter…
⬩ Key Terms Dominoes… Can we beat last lesson’s time?
Unit I – Global
PopulationLesson 3
Population Pyramids
Learning Objective:
To learn about population pyramids.
Learning Outcomes:
Describe what population characteristics are displayed on a
population pyramid.
Identify population characteristics from a population pyramid
Draw and compare population pyramids
Characteristics of population
⬩ In Canada information about population is collected in a Census.
⬩ This is a questionnaire that is delivered to all households once every
five years.
⬩ The first Census was in 1801 and the last was in 2016.
⬩ The information gained from the Census shows the characteristics of
the population.
Characteristics of population
The Census gives us information on:
⬩ Population size.
⬩ Population structure.
⬩ Population gender.
⬩ Ethnic group.
⬩ Occupational structure (what jobs people have).
⬩ Religious structure.
The most important characteristic of population is its age-sex structure. What is the
best way to display this information?
Population Pyramids
⬩ Population pyramids (also known as age-sex
pyramids) graphically display this information.
⬩ These diagrams are used to show the structure of a
population, displaying the age and sex structure of a
country or given area.
⬩ The pyramid is divided into age groups (male and
female) and the % of each group is shown in a
horizontal bar.
What do population pyramids show?
⬩ Trends in the birth rate, death rate, infant mortality rate and life expectancy.
⬩ The proportion of elderly and young people who are dependant upon those of
working age – the economically active.
⬩ The results of people migrating into or out of the region or country.
POPULATION STRUCTURE
The population pyramid displays the age
and sex structure of a country or given area
ELDERLY
DEPENDANTS
ECONOMICALLY
ACTIVE
Population in
Five Year YOUNG
DEPENDANTS
Age bands
Usually, but not always, FEMALES
MALES in % to make for easier To the right
To the left comparisons
between countries
Task 1. Population Pyramid Analysis
For each population pyramid on the sheet:
1. State which country it represents (Germany, United Kingdom, China, India,
Sierra Leone)
2. Use the statements on the sheet to describe the population pyramids
3. Describe the economically active, elderly dependents and young dependents
sections of the pyramids.
Task 2. Population Pyramid Construction
1. Calculate the percentage data for the two population pyramids that you have been
assigned.
2. Using this data now draw the two population pyramids onto the graph sheets
provided.
3. Ensure that you colour each pyramids appropriately and label to show: young
dependents, economically active and elderly dependents.
Task 2. Population Pyramid Analysis
1. Compare your pyramids with two of your peers (each must have drawn different
pyramids to yourself) There are pyramids for six different countries in total (USA,
Mexico, China, France, Nigeria, India).
2. Answer the questions in the document provided about the pyramids.
Task 3. Powerful Predictors of the Future
1. Watch this [Link]
Q. Why and how are population pyramids useful for governments?
Review - Power of the Pyramid!!
What two variables does a population
pyramid show?
What three categories are used to group age
ranges on a population pyramid?
Give four statements that you can use to describe the shape of
a population pyramid.
Compare the shape of the population pyramids for an HIC and and LIC –
what reasons can you give to explain the differences in shape?
