Population structure is often shown as a percentage of males and females in each age group. Each age group is set into bands of 5 years.

How does my age affect everyone and the world around me?

Your stage of life is very important. Many of us grow up and have children. We know this, it has happened for thousands of years!

However, there are some very important points to think about.

Lets look at some scenarios;

A country with a large proportion of children

Consequences

• Many children to look after, takes time and money.
• Fewer people able to work to support so many children.
• When these children grow up, many will have children causing the country's population to rapidly rise.
• The country's population will continue to get younger and younger.

A country with a small proportion of children

Consequences

• Few children to look after meaning less time and money
• As people get older and stop work, fewer people to replace and support them.
• Less people growing up to have children meaning the country's population will start to fall.
• The country's population will continue to age and there will be many older people to look after.