Our World

Population Pyramid Analysis

I researched 6 countries in which to analyze the population pyramid. These countries include Russia, Iraq, United Kingdom, India, Hungary and Jamaica. Though I mainly looked at the current statistics for these countries, I looked into the history of Russia's population trends in addition.

The population pyramid graph for Russia includes a few interesting aspects. After looking at the 1990 population pyramid, it is obvious that there is a huge dropoff of males over the age of 65-69. Although it could be argued that it is simply because of lack of life expectancy, it would hold little truth. The age group of 65-69 during the year of 1990 would be about the same as those who could have fought during World War II. Another feature in the population pyramid that could back this theory up is the fact that the female population is over double that of the male population for that age group. In the 2005 graph, the population shows a somewhat jagged circular shape, suggesting a population boom and a recent decline of newer population.

The Iraqi population pyramid for the year 2005 is a much better example of the name "population pyramid". The difference between the Russian and Iraqi population pyramid is, I believe, due to the state the country is in. In a third world country like Iraq, it is simply expected for less people of old age to be living in the country, as opposed to a more developed country. The Iraq population pyramid doesn't show many choppy irregularities because it is experiencing a slight incline, which is to say not a boom, yet in a growing state.

The United Kingdom is currently experiencing the same type of population fluctuation as Russia. Both show remarkable similarities, in that both have a somewhat choppy circular shape, with a major bulge around the 40-44 age group. Chances are this is because of the same reasons Russia is experiencing such a pattern.

As of the year 2005, India is undergoing the same trends as Iraq, only more subtle. The curve at the top of the pyramid is not as sharp, and the transition of the numbers between the older and younger age populations are not as steep. In addition, the Indian population growth appears to be slowly capping, as the difference between 5-9 and 0-4 age groups is almost unnoticeable.

In addition to the United Kingdom and Russia, the Hungarian population pyramid seems to be following the pattern of a choppy yet circular shape. Though it is not as distinct as the Russian or United Kingdom's population patterns, Hungary seems to be following the trend to a degree. It is currently heading into a decline after experiencing a boom.

Although Jamaica is a smaller nation and statistics do not show as great of a population change, their percentages clearly follow the same patterns as Iraq or India. The graph shows a familiar conic shape. Third world countries of this era are showing a pattern, and that is one of growth. Each population pyramid of countries that are considered third world actually looks like a pyramid. However, Jamaica is a small exception, as the 5-9 and 0-4 age groups are on a decline.0 This signifies a population decline, which is only to be expected after growth which the nation has seen.

posted by Anonymous @ 2/02/2006 10:23:00 PM