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GeoQ 06A – Draw a population pyramid for Australia |
 | Please note: This task can be completed by hand using the diagram provided.
You can download this activity as a Word (.doc) file using the links at the bottom of the page. |
Data:
Estimated Resident Population of Australia, age and sex, 30 June 2010.
| Years | Males | % Persons | Females | % Persons |
| 0-4 | 749,322 | 3.4 | 711,435 | 3.2 |
| 5-9 | 701,176 | 3.1 | 664,543 | 3.0 |
| 10-14 | 719,775 | 3.2 | 683,954 | 3.1 |
| 15-19 | 770,551 | 3.5 | 729,803 | 3.3 |
| 20-24 | 850,180 | 3.8 | 798,065 | 3.6 |
| 25-29 | 843,634 | 3.8 | 818,706 | 3.7 |
| 30-34 | 767,118 | 3.4 | 765,257 | 3.4 |
| 35-39 | 801,784 | 3.6 | 813,374 | 3.6 |
| 40-44 | 771,081 | 3.5 | 780,356 | 3.5 |
| 45-49 | 780,525 | 3.5 | 794,015 | 3.6 |
| 50-54 | 726,190 | 3.3 | 743,127 | 3.3 |
| 55-59 | 655,407 | 2.9 | 669,617 | 3.0 |
| 60-64 | 603,728 | 2.7 | 608,057 | 2.7 |
| 65–69 | 449,957 | 2.0 | 458,975 | 2.1 |
| 70–74 | 343,680 | 1.5 | 366,513 | 1.6 |
| 75–79 | 256,049 | 1.1 | 295,493 | 1.3 |
| 80–84 | 188,941 | 0.8 | 250,340 | 1.1 |
| 85–89 | 98,996 | 0.4 | 168,059 | 0.8 |
| 90+ | 39,010 | 0.2 | 92,054 | 0.4 |
| Total Persons Australia 22,328,847 |
Source: Australian Demographic Statistics, Dec 2010. (ABS cat. no. 3101.0)
Task:
A population pyramid shows the structure of a population, that is the age and sex of the people. A population pyramid consists of two horizontal bar graphs drawn side by side, with the ‘y’ axis representing the age groups. The female population is shown on the right and the male on the left of the diagram. The pyramid may be drawn with either the number of people in each age category or the percentage of total persons for each age category. To make comparisons between pyramids use the percentage (%) value.
1. Use the table above to construct a population pyramid for Australia using the diagram below. Select an appropriate scale for the ‘x’ axis to ensure that your highest value can be shown on the graph.
 | Years | |
2. Use your population pyramid to describe the structure of the Australian population. Comment on the following:
- width of the base of the pyramid
- width of the top of the pyramid
- shape of the sides
- at least one difference between the male and female populations.
Extension:
3. Create a population pyramid for your own State or Territory for the most recent population statistics. Go to the ABS Year Book Australia – make sure you have the latest publication. Select the ‘Data cube’ called ‘Population by age and sex’ and download the Excel spread sheet. Create two adjacent horizontal bar graphs using the diagram provided or create your graphic using Excel (see QuGEO 06B for instructions).
4. Explore data in the publication to find how many males over 100 years of age there are in your state or territory? Compare this with the number of females.
To provide any feedback regarding this activity, please contact ABS Education Services on 1800 623 273 or email education@abs.gov.au.
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