Light

Age Structure Diagram

Definition

An age structure diagram, also known as a population pyramid, is a graphical representation of the distribution of various age groups in a population. It displays the percentage or number of individuals in each age group, typically divided into pre-reproductive (young), reproductive (middle-aged), and post-reproductive (elderly) stages.

Analogy

Imagine an age structure diagram as a bar chart that represents different slices of a population pie. Each slice represents an age group, and the size of the slice shows how many people are in that group. The shape of the chart can tell you if a population is growing rapidly or slowly.

Related terms

Younger Stage: Refers to the pre-reproductive stage in an age structure diagram, which includes children and teenagers who have not yet reached reproductive maturity.

Reproductive Stage: Represents individuals in their prime reproductive years, typically between adolescence and middle-age.

Elderly Stage: Corresponds to the post-reproductive stage in an age structure diagram, consisting of older adults who have surpassed their childbearing years.