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Population Pyramids--The Basics
Demographics is the statistical study of populations and the characteristics that set each population apart year after year. Some of the ways we can measure the demographics of populations include looking at the birth rate, death rate, racial categories, age gaps, gender totals and dependency loads within that population at any specific time period. By reviewing and measuring the data, predictions can be made about that population in regards to how their demographics will likely change in the future and what that population may need now. For example, if a population's demographics continually show a high birth rate and low death rate, there may be a need for increased education for young people and increased health care for older people.
The video entitled "Population Pyramids" gives a look at some of the ways demographic data can be collected, measured, and used to make future predictions. There are two basic shapes a population pyramid can take, concave or convex. There are three main types of population pyramids. Expansive population pyramids are typically used to show rapid growth in the population - each level is wider than the one above it showing more people in lower age categories are being born. Stationary population pyramids show steady numbers among nearly all age groups. Finally, Contractive population pyramids usually represent a decreasing population trend.
Population pyramids are important as they give us a look at the demographics of a population. Population pyramids allow for a visual understanding of how a population is behaving, so planning can be done for the present and the future.
Demographics is the statistical study of populations and the characteristics that set each population apart year after year. Some of the ways we can measure the demographics of populations include looking at the birth rate, death rate, racial categories, age gaps, gender totals and dependency loads within that population at any specific time period. By reviewing and measuring the data, predictions can be made about that population in regards to how their demographics will likely change in the future and what that population may need now. For example, if a population's demographics continually show a high birth rate and low death rate, there may be a need for increased education for young people and increased health care for older people.
The video entitled "Population Pyramids" gives a look at some of the ways demographic data can be collected, measured, and used to make future predictions. There are two basic shapes a population pyramid can take, concave or convex. There are three main types of population pyramids. Expansive population pyramids are typically used to show rapid growth in the population - each level is wider than the one above it showing more people in lower age categories are being born. Stationary population pyramids show steady numbers among nearly all age groups. Finally, Contractive population pyramids usually represent a decreasing population trend.
Population pyramids are important as they give us a look at the demographics of a population. Population pyramids allow for a visual understanding of how a population is behaving, so planning can be done for the present and the future.