The age-sex structure of New Zealand's population tells us about the past and helps us forecast what may happen in the future. These population pyramids show the age-sex structure of New Zealand. The median age (half the population is older, and half younger, than this age) is projected to rise from 35 years in 2004 to 45 years by 2045. By comparison, New Zealand's median age was about 23 years in 1901.
Activity
The 1901 population pyramid has a broad base and a very narrow top. This tells us that in 1901 there were a large number of children (0-14 years), and a smaller number of people aged 65+ years.
- What does the 2006 population pyramid show? Look at the number of children and the number of people aged 65+ years.
- What does the 2061 population pyramid show?
- Compare the median age in 2006 to the median age in 2061. What does this change in the median age tell us?
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The baby boom is the period between the end of World War II and the mid-1960s. It is associated with high fertility rates and high numbers of births. Baby boomers in New Zealand are usually taken as those born in the years 1946-1965. Where is the baby boom generation on the 2006 population pyramid?