Population pyramids
Population pyramids show the structure of a population:
- the pyramid is split with one side for female and one side for male
- each horizontal bar represents a different age group - youngest at the bottom, oldest at the top
- the width of each bar shows the size of the population in each age group
- the population in each age group can be shown as a percentage of total population or as the number of people
Image caption, Kenya population pyramid
This pyramid has a very wide base. This means that there is a high proportion of young people. The top is quite narrow which means there are fewer people in the older age groups.
Image caption, Japan population pyramid
This pyramid has a narrower base showing a lower birth rate. The middle is wider and the top is taller. This shows lower death rates and higher life expectancy.
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