Theme 1 - 1.3 - Population Structure

Question 1

Define population structure.

Answer 1

The composition of a population, the most important elements of which are age and sex.

Question 2

What is a population pyramid?

Answer 2

A bar chart arranged vertically that shows the distribution of a population by age and sex.

Question 3

Define dependency ratio.

Answer 3

The ratio of the number of people under 15 and over 64 years to those 15-64 years of age.

Question 4

What factors determine the structure of a population?

Answer 4

• Fertility
• Mortality
• Migration

Question 5

What ages is the economically active population said to be at?

Answer 5

15-64 years

Question 6

What are the most studied aspects of population structure?

Answer 6

Age and sex

Question 7

Describe the population pyramid for a place in stage 1 of the DTM.

Answer 7

• Very wide base
• Narrows quickly with an inward curve.

(Diagram - Pg 14 of revision guide)

Question 8

Describe the population pyramid for a country in stage 2 of the DTM.

Answer 8

• Wide base with gradual narrowing.
• Almost triangle shaped, although often curves inwards.

(Diagram - Pg 14 of revision guide)

Question 9

Describe the population pyramid for a country in stage 3 of the DTM.

Answer 9

• Slightly narrower base than stage 3
• Narrows more gradually.
• Almost triangle shaped, although often curves slightly outwards near base.

(Diagram - Pg 14 of revision guide)

Question 10

Describe the population pyramid for a country in stage 4 of the DTM.

Answer 10

• Narrow base
• Bulges outwards slightly near the middle-age section.

(Diagram - Pg 14 of revision guide)

Question 11

Describe the population pyramid for a place in stage 5 of the DTM.

Answer 11

• Very narrow base
• Pyramid bulges outwards near the middle-age/elderly section

(Diagram - Pg 14 of revision guide)

Question 12

Give reasons for the shape of the population pyramid of stage 1 regions.

Answer 12

• Wide base -> High birth rate

* Rapid fall in each age group above -> High death rate and short life expectancy

Question 13

Give reasons for the shape of the population pyramid of stage 2 countries.

Answer 13

• Wide base -> High birth rate

* Gradual decrease -> Slightly lower death rate and slightly higher life expectancy

Question 14

Give reasons for the shape of the population pyramid of stage 3 countries.

Answer 14

• Slightly narrower base -> Lower fertility due to governmental policies, etc.
• Gradual decrease -> Lower death rate and longer life expectancy

Question 15

Give reasons for the shape of the population pyramid of stage 4 countries.

Answer 15

• Narrow base -> Low birth rate due to social norms and governmental policies, etc.
• Outwards bulge -> Many middle-aged due to low death rate and long life expectancy

Question 16

Give reasons for the shape of the population pyramid of stage 5 regions.

Answer 16

• Very narrow base -> Very low birth rate

* High outwards bulge -> Low death rate and very long life expectancy

Question 17

Are population structure pyramids the same for every part of a country?

Answer 17

No, they are usually significant differences between rural and urban areas.

Question 18

How might urban areas differ from rural areas in terms of population structure within a country and why?

Answer 18

Rural
• Fewer young adults and children -> Out-migration of families to urban areas
Urban
• More young adults and children -> In-migration of families from rural areas
• More of a certain age or sex -> Due to selective migration

Question 19

What is a good exam technique when describing and explaining a population pyramid?

Answer 19

• Divide the pyramid into three sections: young dependent population, economically active population and elderly population
• Comment on each section in turn

Question 20

What are the implication of having a largely young population (e.g. Niger and Bangladesh)?

Answer 20

• Young people have to be housed, fed, educated and looked after in terms of health -> This costs the government money
• May result in child labour
• Pressure on services (e.g. Education)

Question 21

What are the implication of having a largely elderly population (e.g. UK and Japan)?

Answer 21

• Elderly people have to be looked after in terms of health, wellbeing, etc. -> This cost the government money
• Pressure on services (e.g. healthcare)

Question 22

Who are dependents?

Answer 22

People who are too young or too old to work.

Question 23

What is the formula for calculating dependency ratio?

Answer 23

Dependency ratio = ((Population 14 and under + Population 65 and over) / Population aged 15-64) x 100

Question 24

How do you calculate the dependency ratio of a country?

Answer 24

1. Add the number of people under 15 and over 65 together
2. Divide this by the number of people aged 15-64
3. Multiply this by 100

Question 25

What does a dependency ratio of 60 mean?

Answer 25

For every 100 people in the economically active population, there are 60 people dependent on them. I.e. 100 economically active : 60 dependent

Question 26

What is the dependency ratio usually around in more developed countries?

Answer 26

Between 50 and 75.

Question 27

What is the dependency ratio usually around in less developed countries?

Answer 27

It can reach over 100.

Question 28

Who forms the majority of the dependent population in more and less developed countries?

Answer 28

More developed: Children and the elderly | Less developed: Children