World Population and Population Pyramids Lab
Objective:
Learn how to read population pyramids and how to research information about the population differences between developing and developed nations. Understand demographic indicators, such as population growth rate, TFR,IMR, life expectancy and migration, and how these factors affect demographic transition.
Time:
This lab should take approximately one hour to complete.
Materials:
• Computer with Internet access
Part 1
Procedure:
1. Go to the website http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/idb/
2. What is the estimate of the population of the world today? ____________________
3. Click on "International Database" in the Quick Links: box on the left side of the page.
4. Use the dropdown menu and select one developing nation. Remember that a developing nation is one where the average income is much lower than in industrial nations, where the economy relies on a few export crops, and where farming is conducted by primitive methods. Afghanistan would be an example of a developing country.
My developing country is ____________________ and it is located ______________.
5. Click on "Population Pyramids" under the "Select Report" dropdown menu and sketch the three pyramids below:
2000 2025 2050
6. Go to the "Select Report" dropdown menu and record the following information in the chart below.
COUNTRY:
What is the crude birth rate (births per thousand)?
What is the crude death rate (deaths per thousand)?
What is the life expectancy at birth?
What is the infant mortality rate?
What is the total fertility rate?
What is the net number of migrants?
Analysis:
1. What can you tell about your country's growth rate by looking at your histogram (population pyramid)?
2. If the birth and death rates remain the same as they are today, what will your pyramid look like in 25 years?
3. What are some factors that could change the shape of your pyramid?
4. Determine the percentage of the population that has not yet reached childbearing age. What does this number suggest about the prospects for future growth?
5. If your country's population growth rate is not increasing, what are some socio-economic problems that might occur?
6. Does your country have a baby boom (a bulge somewhere in the middle of it)? What could account for this?
7. If you had a business and you wanted to capitalize on your information about the population age distribution, what would you sell and why?
8. Is your country increasing in size, decreasing in size, or close to ZPG (zero population growth)?
Part 2
Procedure:
Repeat the entire procedure using a developed nation. These are countries with high gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and a high level of industrialization. The United States would be an example of a developed country.
My developed country is _______________________ and it is located ________________.
1. Sketch the three pyramids below:
2000 2025 2050
2. Now click on "Select Report." Once again, select your country. Record the following information in the chart below.
COUNTRY:
What is the crude birth rate (births per thousand)?
What is the crude death rate (deaths per thousand)?
What is the life expectancy at birth?
What is the infant mortality rate?
What is the total fertility rate?
What is the net number of migrants?
Analysis:
1. What can you tell about your country's growth rate by looking at your histogram (population pyramid)?
2. If the birth and death rates remain the same as they are today, what will your pyramid look like in 25 years?
3. What are some factors that could change the shape of your pyramid?
4. Determine the percentage of the population that has not yet reached childbearing age. What does this number suggest about the prospects for future growth?
5. If your country's population growth rate is not increasing, what are some socio-economic problems that might occur?
6. Does your country have a baby boom (a bulge somewhere in the middle of it)? What could account for this?
7. If you had a business and you wanted to capitalize on your information about the population age distribution, what would you sell and why?
8. Is your country increasing in size, decreasing in size, or close to ZPG (zero population growth)?