UNIT 2: POPULATION PYRAMIDS
(AGAIN) & DEMOGRAPHIC
TRANSITION (AGAIN)
THE STUDENT WILL BE ABLE TO…
 The student will be able to identify and discuss population pyramids best on shape
descriptions
 The student will be able to further understand the demographic transition model
DID YOU ASK….WHERE DOES THE INFORMATION
COME FROM?  REALLY SHOULD ALWAYS ASK THIS
 Some countries, like the U.S., utilize a census
 Census : A count of the number of people in a country, region, or city.”
(Knox 2014).
 Census will usually get other data; like family size, marriage, education, income
etc.
 In U.S. we have a census every ten years; it’s even mandated by law and has
been happening since 1790. The information is used for the House of
Representatives
 Lots of limitations: people may not answer honestly, not comprehensive, and
homeless people, and SUPER expensive; many countries can’t afford
 Vital Records: “report births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and the
incidence of certain infection diseases.” (Knox, 2014).
POPULATION PYRAMIDS….
 Quick clarification; in your Getis et al. textbook it lists population as a
% of the total, you will also see where it’s just listed in numbers.
 Population pyramids do not have to just be for a country, they can be
for a state, a city, or a region.
 Changing spatial perspective (Micro to Macro).
 Population pyramids also have names to the shapes
 Cup
 Evergreen/Christmas Tree
 Box
WHAT THE SHAPES MEAN….
 Evergreen/Christmas Tree Shape
 The country is developing, it has slow growth rates, high birth rates,
and a short life expectancy. Examples: Chad, Namibia, Bangladesh
 Box
 The country is developed, it has slow growth, low infant mortality, slow
population growth, and a long life expectancy. Examples include: U.S.A
 The Cup
 Country is developed, negative growth, low birth rate, shrinking
population, long life expectancy. Examples include: Italy and Japan
DEMOGRAPHIC
TRANSITION….AGAIN
 Demographic Transition: “A
process of change in a
society's population and from
high crude birth and death
rates and low rate of natural
increase to a condition of low
crude birth and death rates,
low rate of natural increase,
and higher total population.
The process consists of four
stages.” (Rubeinstein, 2014).
STAGE 1
NO COUNTRY IS IN STAGE!!! NEVER. No. There’s no current
country in stage 1. I promise. It’s not a lie, just accept this.
There are some tribes that could be considered in stage 1.
Sometimes when a country undergoes a really bad civil war,
then it might be considered stage 1, but even then; don’t try
and use it.
Stage 1 is characterized by hunting and gathering.
STAGE 2
A lot of countries are
arguably in stage 2.
Most of Europe and
North America
entered stage 2 in
industrial revolution
Africa, Asia, and Latin
America: 1950’s
Image is of Cape
Verde
STAGE 3
 Countries move to Stage
3 when CBR drops a lot.
(Narrower gap between
CBR and CDR)
 More likely to live in
cities (less reliance on
land)
 Occurs for Europe and
U.S. in early 20th century
 Image Is for Chile (1960 is
3rd)
STAGE 4
Stage is when CBR
and CDR are almost
equal.
Zero population
growth
Higher education
women
Image of Denmark
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WITH THE DEMOGRAPHIC
TRANSITION MODEL
This model is based entirely off of observing European
countries.
The model also argues that all countries can go through the
Demographic Transition
 BUT….not all have, and based on wealthier countries (core countries
taking wealth, seems doubtful all can go through)
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
 Population numbers are better visualized in a population pyramid.
 Understanding how the population is distributed can give insight
into policies and resources needed.
 The census gathers a lot of information , but small businesses benefit
greatly through access to this data stores can see where their
demographic lives.
 The composition of the pyramid of a country is going to influence
economic development, which influences access to resources (like
medical care, female education, contraception). These pieces all fall
together in the Demographic Transition Model
ANSWERS TO THE PACKET: COUNTRY A
COUNTRY A
Cup Shape
Population is constricting
Large number is in the work force
Will have to focus on elder care
Industrialized Nation
COUNTRY B
COUNTRY B
Evergreen/Christmas Tree Shape
Some transition occurring
Developing nation
Might be concerned on child care issues
So-so rates of mortality (better than some,
worse than a lot)
COUNTRY C
COUNTRY C
Steep Evergreen/Christmas Tree Shape
High Mortality Rate
Health care issues
Least Developed Nation
COUNTRY D
COUNTRY D
Relatively Stable Population
Box Shape
Developed Nation
COUNTRY E
COUNTRY E
Evergreen/Christmas Tree shape
Developing Nation
Mortality Rates Are s0-so
This country is the one with a high
physiological density
COUNTRY F
COUNTRY F
Irregular Shape
Arguably Christmas Tree Shape
Developing Nation
CLASS WORK
In your groups, use pages 54-56 Foulberg (or
Getis if you have it) and determine what
stage of the demographic transition model
each country is in.
Figure 2.13