Population Pyramid and City Map Analysis

Posted on Feb 23, 2025 in Geography

How to Analyze a Population Pyramid

Note the numerical superiority of males at birth.
Identify the age at which the sexes are numerically equal.
Observe the final predominance of elderly women.
Explain the causes of the increased life expectancy of women (biological factors, less exposure to risk factors, etc.).

Calculate the percentages of young people (0-14), adults (15-64), and the elderly (65+).
Analyze the shape of the pyramid:
- Triangular (e.g., Spain in 1900): Indicates a young population with a wide base due to high birth rates. The population decreases rapidly towards the top due to high mortality rates. Discuss the causes and consequences, such as high demand for jobs, a developing economy, high unemployment, and emigration.
- Bell-shaped (e.g., Spain in 1970): Represents a stationary or adult population. A moderate base is caused by a reduction in the birth rate, and low mortality rates. There are build-ups of population in adult age groups, and not very high percentages of young and old people. Discuss the causes of birth and death rate reductions and the consequences of adult prevalence (active population and not too many dependent people).
- Urn-shaped (e.g., Spain in 2008): Shows an aging population. The base is narrow, indicating a low and declining birth rate. There’s a high percentage of elderly individuals due to increased life expectancy. Explain the causes and consequences of aging (increased expenditure on pensions, health, and social care).

Relate demographic events to changes in the pyramid’s structure.
Incoming sections (indentations): Indicate a loss of population (low birth rates, famines, wars, epidemics, and emigration). Wartime deaths typically occur between 20 and 30 years earlier, affecting that age group. The impact on the number of children is reflected approximately 30 years later.
Outgoing sections (bulges): Show population growth, such as baby booms. This is also reflected 20-30 years later in the number of their children.

Large Spanish cities are generally divided into three areas:

A) Site and Situation:
- Determine the specific site and relate it to the origins of the city and its functions.
- Determine the situation of the city in relation to its geographical environment.
B) Analysis of the Plan:
- Observe if the old city was flanked by a rampart (explaining its features and indicating if it is preserved).
- Determine the type of plan (irregular, grid, radiocentric, etc.).
- See if you notice changes in level.
C) Analysis of the Plot:
- Indicate the type of plot and its causes.
D) Analysis of the Building:
- The Old Town contains major historical buildings.
E) Analysis of Land Use:
- Traditional land uses (residential, handicraft, etc.) are shifting towards outsourcing (trade and business).
F) Current Problems and Possible Solutions:
- Address the deterioration of streets and homes, and current physical rehabilitation policies.

A) Causes of Urban Expansion:
- Natural growth in the second half of the 19th century.
B) Different Areas of the Industrial City:
- Bourgeois class neighborhoods, garden neighborhoods, etc.
C) Current Problems and Possible Solutions:
- Address aging properties, deterioration, lack of neighborhood services for workers, and the deterioration of old industrial areas.

A) Causes of Growth in the Urban Periphery:
- Population growth, industrialization, and rural-urban boundary problems.
B) Differentiation of Areas on the Periphery:
- Suburbs
C) Current Problems and Possible Solutions: