Population Pyramids
Learn Population Pyramids for GCSE Statistics with this free worksheet and full mark scheme — Foundation and Higher exam-style questions with worked answers for AQA and Edexcel. Population pyramids use back-to-back bar charts to compare the age and sex structure of populations.
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These worksheets and mark schemes are original, written for Virtus Academy and checked against the current AQA and Edexcel specifications. Every worksheet comes with a full mark scheme.
Topic overview
A population pyramid is a back-to-back horizontal bar chart showing the age and sex structure of a population.
Ages are shown in bands up the vertical axis, with males on one side and females on the other. The length of each bar shows the number or percentage in that age band.
The shape reveals the structure of the population. A wide base tapering rapidly indicates high birth rates and lower life expectancy, typical of a developing country. A narrower base with a broad middle and top indicates an ageing population with low birth rates, typical of a developed country. Comparing two pyramids is a standard exam task.
Revision notes
Structure of the diagram
Age bands run up the vertical axis, usually in five-year groups.
Males are shown on one side and females on the other, extending outwards from the centre. Bar length shows the number or percentage in each band.
Interpreting the shape
A wide base tapering rapidly upwards indicates a high birth rate and lower life expectancy.
A narrow base with broad middle and upper sections indicates an ageing population with a low birth rate. The shape is the key to interpretation.
Using percentages
Bars often show percentages rather than numbers so that populations of different sizes can be compared fairly.
With raw numbers, a larger country would produce a bigger pyramid regardless of its structure, making comparison misleading.
Key points
- A population pyramid shows age and sex structure.
- Age bands run up the vertical axis.
- Males and females are on opposite sides.
- A wide base means a high birth rate.
- A broad top means an ageing population.
- Percentages allow fair comparison.
Worked examples
Example 1
A population pyramid has a very wide base and narrows rapidly. State what this suggests. [1 mark]
Working
Example 2
Explain why population pyramids often use percentages rather than raw numbers. [2 marks]
Working
Example 3
A pyramid has a narrow base and a broad upper section. Describe the population structure. [2 marks]
Working
Common mistakes
Reading the pyramid as a histogram.
It is a back-to-back horizontal bar chart, not a histogram.
Comparing raw numbers between countries.
Use percentages so populations of different sizes compare fairly.
Ignoring one sex when describing the shape.
Both sides should be considered.
Describing the shape without interpreting it.
Say what the shape means about birth rate or ageing.
Exam tips
- Describe both the base and the top of the pyramid.
- Link shape directly to birth rate and life expectancy.
- Note why percentages are used for comparison.
- Check the axis to see whether numbers or percentages are shown.
Key terms
- Population pyramid
- A back-to-back bar chart of age and sex structure.
- Age band
- A range of ages, usually five years wide.
- Birth rate
- The rate at which children are born, shown by the base width.
- Ageing population
- One with a high proportion of older people.
Related topics
Written and reviewed against the current AQA and Edexcel specifications. Spotted an error? Let us know.