Population Structure (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography)

Population structure is the characteristics of a population, including the distribution of age, sex, ethnicity, religion etc.

A population pyramid is a graph used to display the gender and age structure of a given population.

True.

LEDCs like Niger typically have a concave pyramid shape.

A column-shaped population pyramid indicates a country in Stage 4 of the demographic transition model, with a decreasing birth rate, increasing life expectancy, and a larger working-age population.

The dependency ratio is the ratio of the dependent population (young and old) to the working-age population.

Three implications of an ageing population are:

• Increased pension payments

• Greater need for care homes

• Increased pressure on healthcare services

False.

Migration can lead to an imbalance in population structure, as seen in countries like the UAE.

A narrowing base in a population pyramid indicates a decreasing birth rate.

The issues which can be identified using a population pyramid are:

• Ageing populations.

• Falling birth rates.

• Impacts of migration.

The death rate in Japan is 11.1 per 1000 

• The death rate has increased from 6 per 1000 in 1979.

• This is not because healthcare or diets are worse but because there are far more elderly people who are more likely to become ill and die.