Population pyramid

A population pyramid is the representation of the population structure of a territory, differentiating age and gender.

In the following image we can see that Population Pyramids are represented on:

• An ordinate axis: where the age bands are represented differentiating between men and women.
• An abscissa axis with the total or the percentage of men and women.

Depending on the characteristics of the population, the pyramid adopts different forms that receive different denominations:

• Progressive or Pagoda Pyramid: it usually represents the population structure of underdeveloped countries, with a short life expectancy and a high birth rate. A clear example can be seen in the population pyramid of Ethiopia.
• Stationary or stagnant pyramid: It is typical of developing countries, where mortality begins to be in "normal" parameters but the birth rate is still very high.
• Regressive or bulbous pyramid: It occurs in developed countries. The decrease in the birth rate and the high percentage of elderly people cause the pyramid to have a lower part that is narrower than the central and upper areas. Typical of aging societies.

If you are interested, in the following link you can see the population pyramid of the different countries.