What does a broad base in a population pyramid indicate about a country's age structure?

What does a broad base in a population pyramid indicate about a country's age structure?

• A. High elderly dependency
• B. Many young dependents
• C. Balanced age structure
• D. Low birth rates

Answer: (B)

A broad base shows a large share of the population is very young. That means there are many children, leading to a high number of dependents who rely on the working-age population for support today. The fertility rate is relatively high, sustaining a wide base as new birth cohorts enter each year. In contrast, high elderly dependency would show a top-heavy pyramid, a balanced age structure would look more rectangular, and a low birth rate would narrow the base rather than widen it. So the broad base best indicates many young dependents.

A broad base shows a large share of the population is very young. That means there are many children, leading to a high number of dependents who rely on the working-age population for support today. The fertility rate is relatively high, sustaining a wide base as new birth cohorts enter each year. In contrast, high elderly dependency would show a top-heavy pyramid, a balanced age structure would look more rectangular, and a low birth rate would narrow the base rather than widen it. So the broad base best indicates many young dependents.