Congratulations! You have learned how to create a population pyramid. In this section, you will examine your pyramids and interpret their meaning. Population pyramids contain a lot of information; there is information about specific genders and age groups.

Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required. Take a look at the two pyramids below and answer the questions that follow.


Now it's your turn. Interpret the pyramid for Region Y. Answer the questions in your notes.

Image of a population pyramid of Age distribution for the United States in 2000.

Source: Age Distribution, 2000 population pyramid, CensusScope

  1. Which gender represented the largest percentage of the population in the United States in 2000?
  2. Which gender represented the smallest percentage of the population in the United States in 2000?
  3. Which group (gender and age) represented the smallest percentage of the population in the United States in 2000?