Question

What information is given by a population profile?

Short answer

A population profile provides information on the distribution of age groups in a population, the proportion of males and females, life expectancy, and population growth. From this data, demographic trends such as birth rates, death rates, and immigration trends can be inferred.

Step-by-step solution

Defining a Population Profile

A population profile, also known as a population pyramid, is a graphical representation that shows the distribution of various age groups in a population, which forms the shape of pyramid when the population is expanding. It is often divided into males and females and provides a clear picture of a country's social and economic structure.

Understanding the Components of a Population Profile

A population profile is often divided into cohorts, typically in five-year brackets. On the horizontal axis, the population figure for each age/sex group is normally presented. The males are usually on the left, and the females on the right.

Information Provided by a Population Profile

A population profile gives significant information about the population structure of a country. This includes information on the distribution of age groups, the proportion of males and females, life expectancy, and population growth. From these data, we can infer demographic trends such as birth rates, death rates, and migration trends, which are essential for planning social services like schools, houses, hospitals, and the needs of an aging population.