3. DEMOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE WHAT IS DEMOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE?
- The demographic structure of a population is its distribution in different groups according to age and sex. - This structure is very different from one country to another. It may also vary in different regions n the same country. - It reflects the birth rate, mortality rate and migration. - A population is divided into three main groups: - Children (0-14 years old) - The population of working age (15- 64 years old) - The older people (over 65 years old)
- The demographic structure of an area reflects its level of development. Some regions have young populations, while others have ageing populations.
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THE YOUNG POPULATION OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES Developing countries have young populations as a result of their high rates of natural increase. In many of these countries only about 8% of the population is aged over 65 and more than 30% is in the youngest age group. Rapid population growth creates major probles for these societies. They may not have enough economic resources to buld new schools or guarantee basic services. Some countries adopt anti-natalist policies: - To reduce the birth rate, they make contraceptives available and encourage family planning. - In a few cases, such as China, there have been penalties for families with more than one child.
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THE AGEING POPULATION OF DEVELOPED COUNTRIES The population of most developed countries is ageing and it is the result of: 1. Increased life expectancy: - Medical advances and improvements in nutrition and living standards mean that people live longer. - Consequently the proportion of people aged 65 or older increases. 2. Declining birth rate: - many women have careers i developed countries and may wait before they have children. - Families are used to a high standard of living, so they prefer not to raise several children. As a resul, the population of these countries is gradually getting older. People aged 65 or older make up about 20% of the total population while young people, aged 15 or less, represent 17%. The proportion of older people in the population will continue to increase. An ageing population will be a major problem for developed countries: -
Societies will need to find economic resources to pay for pensions and medical assistance. In some countries, pro-natalist measures have been taken: financial measures in favour of families with children.