AIM: To be able to effectively read and interpret population pyramids
1) Watch the video below as an introduction
2) Create a word document entitled, “Population Structure.” All of the work below will be done in this word document.
3) Now click on the image below and answer the quiz questions in full sentences in the word document you have just created under the sub heading “TeD Quiz.”
 |
| Click on the image to take the quiz. Answer in your word document using full sentences. |
4) Now click on the world population pyramid below and spend 5 minutes playing around with the site. Check out the pyramid for the country that you were born in. Find and take screen shots of the population pyramids for the country in the year of your birth, the present day and the prediction for when you turn 50 or even 100. Use labels to describe the major changes that you notice.
 |
| Click here to get population pyramids for every country in the world. Use this tool to complete the case studies on France and the Gambia. |
Dependency Ratio
5) Go to CoolGeography.co.uk and use the information here to explain in your own words what the dependency ratio is. Make sure you include the formula.
6) We now need to build up 2 case studies looking at the population pyramids for an MEDC and an LEDC using
Population Structure Case Study 1) Country with a high level of economic development – France
i. Choose France and the year 1950. Take a screen shot of the pyramid and insert it into your notes with a clear heading.
ii. What was the population of France in 1950?
iii. What is the population of France now?
iv. Describe the structure of the pyramid for France this year and include a screen shot of the pyramid under your explanation.
v. What are the key population issues facing France today based on the information you get from the pyramid?
vi. What percentage of the population will be over the age of 60 years old in the year 2050?
vii. Is France becoming a country with a youthful or ageing population? Explain your answer.
viii) Use the pyramid to explain why the french government want to raise the retirement age by two years for French workers.
ix) Give two other problems France may face because of its predicted population structure and suggest how these problems can be overcome. Can you think of any advantages such a population structure may bring to a country.
 |
| From http://ethicaltravelportal.com/ Click on the image to find out more. |
7) Population Structure Case Study 2) Country with a lower level of economic development – Gambia
i. Using the same tool, choose Gambia and the year 1950. Note the total population in 1950.
ii. What is the population of Gambia now?
iii. Approximately, how many times more is the population than in 1950?
iv. Describe the structure of the pyramid for Gambia this year and include a screen shot under your explanation.
v. What are the key population issues facing Gambia today?
vi. How is the population structure of Gambia going to change by the year 2050?
vii. Is Gambia becoming a country with a youthful or ageing population? Explain your answer.
viii) Suggest some of the problems and advantages of Gambia’s predicted population structure.
8) Case Study The Gambia: A country with a large young dependent population.
Read the fact sheet below on the Gambia and use the information to answer the 7 mark exam question below
case-study-the-gambia-a-youthful-population.docx
Exam Question:
For a named country you have studied, describe the problems caused by a high dependent population.
9) Summary: Population Pyramids and the DTM
Complete this worksheet in as much detail as possible.
population_pyramids_changes_over_time.docx