What does a population pyramid with a wide base indicate?

• A. A young population with high birth rates and potential future population growth.
• B. A high proportion of elderly people.
• C. A stable population with low birth rates.
• D. A population in decline.

Answer: (A)

A population pyramid shows how many people are in each age group, and a wide base reveals there are many children and young people. This happens when birth rates are high, producing a young population. With many births in recent decades, the number of people entering each new age cohort is large, so the base is broad. If births stay high and people survive, the population is likely to grow in the future as these young people age into higher age groups. This shape contrasts with pyramids that are top-heavy (indicating more elderly), or rectangular/narrow-based (indicating low birth rates and a more stable or aging population), or those showing overall shrinking numbers.