Key definitions
Population structure is shown using population pyramids, which display the age and sex of a population.
- Dependent — a person younger than 15 (young dependent) or older than 64 (old dependent).
- Working population — people aged over 15 to under 64.
Population pyramids: MEDC vs LEDC
Population pyramids differ in shape between MEDCs (More Economically Developed Countries) and LEDCs (Less Economically Developed Countries), reflecting differences in birth rate, death rate and life expectancy.
Case study: High dependent population — Italy (MEDC)
Facts
- Population: 59 million
- 12.8 million old dependents
- Fewer working population: has to increase immigration
- As of 2023, 57% of the population is not in the working range
- Life expectancy of 82 years
Impacts and government solutions
| Impacts | Government solutions |
|---|---|
| Loss of employees | Increase immigrants |
| Higher death rate | Raised taxes |
| Increased pressure on healthcare | Increased pensions |
| Relaxing immigration laws | |
| Increasing age of retirement to 67 | |
| Raise value of taxes |