Compare age and sex structure across countries. Choose 1–4 nations, read the shapes, and discuss what the base and top of each pyramid tell us about young and aging populations.
How to read a population pyramid
Expansive (young)
Wide base: a large share of the population is under 15. Often linked to higher birth rates and a younger median age.
53 countries in dataset
Stationary (balanced)
More even sides: youth, working-age, and older groups are closer in share. Common in transitional or developed societies.
108 countries in dataset
Constrictive (aging)
Narrower base and larger older share: fewer children relative to adults. Often signals lower fertility and an aging population.
64 countries in dataset
Bars show male (left, blue) and female (right, rose). Use % of population to compare shapes fairly across countries of different sizes.
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Quick sets
🇳🇬 Nigeria🇺🇸 United States🇯🇵 Japan
Nigeria
Africa · 2024 est. · 236.7M people
Expansive (young)
Male Female% of population
0–14 years40.4%
15–64 years56.2%
65+ years3.4%
Wide base: a large share of the population is under 15. Often linked to higher birth rates and a younger median age.
Ask yourself
Why might the base of this pyramid be so wide?
What challenges could a large youth population create for schools and jobs?
How might this shape change if birth rates fall over the next 20 years?
