Ikäpyramidi

Ikäpyramidi, also known as an age structure pyramid or population pyramid, is a graphical representation used in demographics to show the distribution of various age groups in a population. It typically takes the form of a stacked bar graph where the youngest age groups are at the bottom and the oldest at the top.

The pyramid is usually divided into males on the left and females on the right. The horizontal bars represent specific age cohorts, typically in five-year intervals (e.g., 0-4, 5-9, 10-14 years). The length of each bar is proportional to the number or percentage of people in that age group.

The shape of an ikäpyramidi provides insights into a population's age-sex structure and can indicate important demographic trends. A broad base and a narrow top suggest a young, growing population with a high birth rate and a shorter life expectancy. A more rectangular or columnar shape indicates a stable population with lower birth and death rates and a longer life expectancy. An inverted pyramid, with a narrow base and a wider top, suggests an aging population with a declining birth rate.

Ikäpyramidit are valuable tools for understanding population dynamics, planning for social services, and forecasting future demographic changes. They are used by governments, researchers, and organizations to analyze population growth, dependency ratios, and potential labor force availability.