Population Structure
Geography: KS3, topic 13.1.2
Population Structure
Population structure is the number of people in each age group within a population. Developed countries tend to have an ageing population whereas developing countries have a youthful population.
What are population pyramids?
- A population pyramid is a graph which shows the structure of a country's population.
Male/female split
- The pyramid is divided into two sides:
- The pink or red side usually shows females.
- The blue side usually shows males.
Shape
- An ageing population will have a narrow base and a wider top.
- A youthful population will have a wide base and a narrower top.
Life expectancy
- The height of the population pyramid also relates to life expectancy.
- We would expect a country such as Kenya to have a lower height of pyramid than the UK.
Test yourself on Population Structure
What do the two sides of a population pyramid represent?