6.2.4

Population Structure

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Population Structure

There are different words to describe different cohorts (parts) of the population.

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Poplation pyramids

  • Population pyramids show the number of people in each age band (cohort) and organises them by gender.
  • A cohort is one age group (e.g. 25-30 years old).
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Dependency

  • The economically active population means the number of people of working age. This generally refers to those who are between 16-60 years old.
  • The dependent population means the number of people who rely on the working (non-dependent) population to provide for them.
  • Large dependent populations are a drain on the country’s economy.
  • The young dependent population means children (0-15 years old) who do not work.
  • The old dependent population means people over 60 years old who are retired and living off their pension.
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Age

  • An ageing (greying) population is where there is a high number of people who are over 60 years old and that number is increasing.
  • These people can be a drain on the economy because they may need nursing homes and healthcare.
  • A youthful population is where there is a high number of young people (under 16 years old).
  • These people can also be a drain on the economy as they may need childcare and education.

Jump to other topics

1Paper 1 - Changing River Environnments

2Paper 1 - Changing Coastal Environments

3Paper 1 - Changing Ecosystems

4Paper 1 - Tectonic Hazards

5Paper 1 - Climate Change

6Paper 2 - Changing Populations

7Paper 2 - Changing Towns & Cities

8Paper 2 - Development

9Paper 2 - Changing Economies

10Paper 2 - Resource Provision

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