The document discusses population structures and their implications. It describes how population pyramids are used to show the number of males and females in different age groups, with less economically developed countries typically having a wide base and narrow top due to high birth and death rates. More developed countries tend to have a more evenly distributed population across age groups. The document notes problems that can arise from aging populations, like in the UK, or youthful populations, as in India, including increased costs for healthcare, education, and other services that strain economically active members of society.

1. Population Structure How can we look at the structure of population?

3. Three Patterns of Population Change, 2000 Source: United Nations, World Population Prospects, The 1998 Revision. A wide base = high birth rate. A narrow top= low life expectancy A ‘step’ between each age group = high death rate. Typical LEDC stage 2 of the DTM. A narrow base = low birth rate. A tall pyramid with a wide top= high life expectancy An MEDC stage 4 A very narrow base = low birth rate. A tall pyramid with a wide top= high life expectancy Fewer births than deaths. MEDC stage 5