Population Pyramid Types with Real-World Examples

What are population pyramid types? This question opens up an interesting topic of demography worldwide. Population pyramids, or age-sex pyramids, show a country’s population by age groups and sex. These pyramids provide powerful insights into a nation’s historical, present, and future population changes.

There are three primary types of population pyramids. Each type corresponds to the varied levels in the demographic transition. The expansive/narrow top pyramid is common in developing countries with high birth rates. Niger, with a fertility rate of 6.8 children per woman in 2021, is an example.

In contrast, the constrictive pyramid is prevalent in richer countries with aging populations and slow birth rates. Japan is a case in point, where 28.4% of the population was aged 65 and over in 2020.

The third form the stationary or fixed pyramid evidences a more uniform distribution of dependencies across ages. This pattern is prevalent in countries with flat birth and death rates, like Denmark.

Knowing the different population pyramid types offers insights into a nation’s economic outlook, healthcare requirements, and societal dynamics. For instance, countries with vast pyramids may encounter difficulties in providing education and generating employment opportunities for their youth. Conversely, countries with constrictive pyramids might grapple with increased healthcare costs and a shrinking workforce.

Interestingly, population pyramid types can change over time. China’s shifted from an expansive to a more constrictive pyramid, influenced by its former one-child policy. This demonstrates how government policies can dramatically alter demographic structures.

Let’s explore population pyramid types further.

Table of Contents:

1. What is a Population Pyramid?
2. What are the Components of the Population Pyramid?
3. What Does a Population Pyramid Tell Us?
4. How to Read a Population Pyramid?
5. How to Make a Population Pyramid?
6. How Do You Interpret a Population Pyramid?
7. Wrap Up

First…

What is a Population Pyramid?

Definition: A population pyramid is a graphical representation of a population’s age and gender distribution. It resembles a pyramid, with the youngest age groups at the base and the oldest at the top. The left side of the pyramid shows the male population, while the right side represents females.

There are three main types: expansive, constrictive, and stationary.

• Expansive pyramids have a wide base, indicating a young population.
• Constrictive pyramids show a shrinking population.
• Stationary pyramids suggest balanced growth.

These pyramids help demographers and planners understand a country’s or region’s population structure. They are useful for predicting future trends through trend analysis, such as potential workforce or healthcare needs.

Below are two different population pyramid examples presented in the form of Tornado Charts. Both have been created in Excel using ChartExpo as follows:

Example 1:

Example 2:

What are the Components of the Population Pyramid?

Is it possible to visually grasp the age distribution of an entire country? A population pyramid does just that. To understand this powerful chart, let’s break it down into its key components:

• Axes: The pyramid has two axes one horizontal and one vertical. The horizontal axis represents population size, and the vertical axis shows age groups.
• Age cohorts: These are the age groups, usually divided into five-year intervals (e.g., 0-4, 5-9). Each cohort, often used in cohort analysis, reveals the population size for that specific age range.
• Bars: The bars on the pyramid represent the population of each age group. The left side typically shows males, and the right side shows females.
• Shape: The overall shape of the pyramid provides insight into population trends. It can be expansive, constrictive, or stationary, indicating growth patterns.
• Legend: The legend explains the color codes, units, and other details that help interpret the pyramid’s data easily.

What Does a Population Pyramid Tell Us?

Population pyramids give us a quick visual insight into a population’s makeup. But what exactly can these intriguing graphs tell us? Let’s find out:

• Age distribution: A population pyramid reveals a population’s age structure. It shows which age groups dominate and whether there is a large young or elderly population.
• Gender balance: The pyramid highlights the balance (or imbalance) between males and females. This can be crucial for understanding societal dynamics.
• Population growth trends: The shape of the pyramid provides clues about growth trends. A wide base suggests a growing population, while a narrow base could indicate declining birth rates.
• Dependency ratios: The pyramid shows the dependency ratio by comparing the younger and older population to the working-age group. This helps predict economic pressures on the working population.
• Future projections: Population pyramids help demographers forecast future population trends, such as potential shifts in the workforce or healthcare needs.
• Socioeconomic implications: The pyramid’s data can address broader issues like education demands, job market shifts, or healthcare challenges.

How to Read a Population Pyramid?

Reading a population pyramid may seem complex at first glance. But once you know what to look for, it becomes a valuable tool for understanding demographic dynamics. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you read a population pyramid:

1. Identify the axes: Start by noting the horizontal and vertical axes. The horizontal axis represents population size, while the vertical axis displays age groups, usually in five-year intervals.
2. Examine the shape: The overall shape of the pyramid can tell you if the population is growing, shrinking, or stable. A wide base suggests growth, while a narrow base hints at declining birth rates.
3. Assess age cohorts: Look at the age groups (or cohorts) to see which population segments are the largest. This gives insight into the population’s age structure.
4. Analyze gender distribution: Compare the left and right sides of the pyramid to understand the gender balance within each age group. Significant imbalances may indicate underlying social or health factors.
5. Consider dependency ratios: Analyze the proportions of younger (under 15) and older (over 65) populations compared to the working-age group. This helps assess the economic pressure on the workforce.
6. Contextualize the data: Consider what the pyramid might suggest regarding health, education, and employment. For example, a large youth population might signal future demand for jobs and education.
7. Compare with other pyramids: To deepen your analysis, compare the population pyramid with other countries or periods. This can highlight unique demographic trends and challenges.

How to Make a Population Pyramid?

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Gather data: Start by collecting population data. You’ll need the total population broken down by age groups and gender. This data can come from census reports or statistical agencies.
2. Organize data: Arrange the data into two categories males and females. Divide each category into age groups, usually in five-year intervals.
3. Select a graphing tool: Choose a tool to create your chart. Excel, Google Sheets, or specialized software like Tableau or R can help you make a population pyramid.
4. Create the chart: In your chosen tool, plot the male data on the left side and the female data on the right. The horizontal axis will represent the population, while the vertical axis will show age groups.
5. Format the pyramid: Adjust the chart to give it the classic pyramid shape. Label the axes and add color to make it visually appealing and easy to read.
6. Interpret: Once your pyramid is ready, analyze the shape, age distribution, and gender balance. Consider what the chart reveals about population trends, such as growth or decline.

How Do You Interpret a Population Pyramid?

Data analysis is a numbers game that can make your head spin. The population pyramid is a demographic heavyweight. It’s packed with insights but in raw data.

That’s where data visualization comes into play. It transforms mind-numbing numbers into eye-catching graphics. Suddenly, trends pop, and patterns emerge.

Excel, the trusty workhorse, tries its best. But let’s face it: its charts are not winning any beauty pageants.

What are its visualization options? Limited.

What about its learning curve? Steep.

But don’t worry we have ChartExpo, the superhero of data visualization. This powerhouse add-in flexes where Excel falls flat. It turns your data into stunning, insightful visuals faster than you can say “pivot table.”

With ChartExpo, your population pyramid won’t just be data it’ll be a showstopper.

Let’s learn how to install ChartExpo in Excel.

1. Open your Excel application.
2. Open the worksheet and click the “Insert” menu.
3. You’ll see the “My Apps” option.
4. In the Office Add-ins window, click “Store” and search for ChartExpo on my Apps Store.
5. Click the “Add” button to install ChartExpo in your Excel.

ChartExpo charts are available both in Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Please use the following CTAs to install the tool of your choice and create beautiful visualizations with a few clicks in your favorite tool.

Example

Let’s make a population pyramid from the data below using ChartExpo and analyze it.

Factor	Male (Few young dependents)	Female (Many elderly dependents)
0-4	1.8	1.8
5-9	1.9	1.7
10-14	1.7	1.6
15-19	1.7	1.6
20-24	1.9	1.9
25-29	2	2
30-34	2.2	2.1
35-39	2.3	1.9
40-44	2	1.8
45-49	1.9	2
50-54	2.2	2.4
55-59	2.3	2.3
60-64	2.2	1.8
65-69	1.8	1.5
70-74	1.3	1.4
75-79	0.7	1
80-84	0.4	0.8
85-89	0.3	0.4
90-94	0.3	0.3
95-99	0.2	0.2
100+	0.1	0.1

• To get started with ChartExpo, install ChartExpo in Excel.
• Now Click on My Apps from the INSERT menu.

• Choose ChartExpo from My Apps, then click Insert.

• Once it loads, scroll through the charts list to locate and choose the “Funnel Chart (aka Pyramid Chart)”.

• Click the “Create Chart From Selection” button after selecting the data from the sheet, as shown.

• ChartExpo will generate the visualization below for you.
• Clicking on Settings to change the chart level settings:

• You can change the sort order by selecting “Label” from the category data dropdown and selecting “DESC” from the sort order by category drop down after clicking on the “Settings” button:

• You can change the Y-Axis position into the middle as follows:

• If you want to add anything to the chart, click the Edit Chart button:

• Click the pencil icon next to the Chart Header to change the title.
• It will open the properties dialog. Under the Text section, you can add a heading in Line 1 and enable Show.
• Give the appropriate title of your chart and click the Apply button.

• You can change the Bar alignment to the end and also change the precision value into one as follows:

• You can change the precision value of X-Axis values into one as follows:

• Add the percentage sign with X-axis values:

• Click the Save Changes button to persist the changes made to the chart.

• Your final Population Pyramid will look like the one below.

Insights

The chart compares two demographic groups by dependency levels: “Male (Few young dependents)” and “Female (Many elderly dependents).”

Key insights include:

Higher Dependency Ratios in Mid-Life (Ages 30-59):

• Both genders show higher dependency ratios during mid-life years, indicating more dependents due to family responsibilities.

Gender Differences Across Age Groups:

• Dependency ratios are similar for younger age groups (0-19).
• Males have higher dependency ratios than females from ages 35-39 to 65-69.
• Females show higher dependency ratios after age 50, especially in the 50-54 age group and older, likely due to caregiving for elderly dependents.

FAQs

What does population pyramid mean in AP Human Geography?

In AP Human Geography, a population pyramid represents a country’s age and sex distribution. It shows the proportion of different age groups and genders, revealing population growth patterns, decline, and demographic trends.

What is a stage 4 population pyramid?

A Stage 4 population pyramid features a rectangular shape with low birth and death rates. The population is stable or slowly increasing. The age distribution is balanced, with a larger proportion of older individuals indicating advanced demographic transition and development.

Is a population pyramid a map?

No, a population pyramid is not a map. It is a chart or graph that displays the age and sex distribution of a population. It helps analyze demographic trends but does not show geographic locations.

Wrap Up

Population pyramids come in various shapes. Each shape tells a different story about a population’s dynamics. There are three main types: expansive, constrictive, and stationary.

Expansive pyramids have a wide base, which means they are inhabited by a large number of young people. Countries with high birth rates often have expansive pyramids, which suggests rapid population growth.

Constrictive pyramids have a narrow base, which shows a smaller, younger population. This type is common in countries with declining birth rates. The shape indicates an aging population with fewer births.

Stationary pyramids have a more balanced shape. The base and middle sections are nearly equal, suggesting low birth and death rates. Countries with stable populations usually have this type of pyramid.

Each type of pyramid offers insights into a country’s demographic trends. The pyramid can reveal important details of whether a population grows, shrinks, or stays stable.

Understanding these different types helps planners and policymakers. They can prepare for future needs, whether it’s more schools, healthcare, or support for the elderly. Conclusively, population pyramids are vital tools for shaping the future.