Year Total Population Population Age Under 16 Population Age 65 and Over
2010 127,579,145 17,546,488 29,103,030
2020 125,507,472 15,670,950 36,627,469
2030 120,751,317 13,482,155 38,886,970
2040 114,448,328 12,474,428 42,209,603
2050 107,209,536 11,657,139 42,938,885
Source: United States Census Bureau, International Data Base
1. What is the likely impact of the numerical change by 2050 of the total population on the eventual shape of Japan’s
population pyramid?
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY Test Booklet
DOL 2.2: Population Composition
AP Human Geography Page 1 of 2
(A) Since the impact will be gradual over a 40-year period, the 2050 population pyramid likely will not change.
(B) Because of low birth rates over many years, by 2050 Japan will likely attain a column-shaped population
pyramid.
(C) Owing to the large numbers of pregnancies in the growing reproductive-age cohorts, in 2050 the population
pyramid will likely have the shape of a pentagon.
(D) Because of an increasing death rate due to an older population, in 2050 the population pyramid will likely
have the shape of an equilateral triangle.
(E) Because of low birth rates over many years, the 2050 population pyramid will likely be an inverted pyramid.
2. Which of the following describes a concern for a country with an aging population?
(A) As a country’s population ages, the life expectancy for the younger population of the country decreases and
healthcare costs decline.
(B) As a country’s population ages, the infant mortality rate decreases and there is an increased need for daycare
centers.
(C) As the proportion of older people in the country increases, fewer young workers are available to contribute
tax revenues to support programs that provide services to the older population.
(D) As the proportion of older people in the country increases, the sex ratio becomes disproportionally skewed
toward males.
(E) As the proportion of older people increases, the total population decreases because older people do not have
children.
3. One would expect to find a population with a relatively young age structure in
(A) less developed countries
(B) highly developed countries
(C) countries with a low death rate
(D) countries with a low fertility rate
(E) countries with a high standard of living
1 answer
Here are the answers to your questions based on the information provided regarding Japan's population trends:
What is the likely impact of the numerical change by 2050 of the total population on the eventual shape of Japan’s population pyramid?
(E) Because of low birth rates over many years, the 2050 population pyramid will likely be an inverted pyramid.
Explanation: The data shows a declining total population, a decrease in the population under 16, and an increase in the population aged 65 and over. This indicates that the foundation of the pyramid (younger age groups) is shrinking while the top (older age groups) is expanding, resulting in an inverted pyramid.
Which of the following describes a concern for a country with an aging population?
(C) As the proportion of older people in the country increases, fewer young workers are available to contribute tax revenues to support programs that provide services to the older population.
Explanation: In nations with an aging population, the workforce shrinks as the population ages, leading to reduced tax revenues and challenges in funding social services for the elderly.
One would expect to find a population with a relatively young age structure in
(A) less developed countries.
Explanation: Less developed countries typically exhibit higher birth rates, leading to larger proportions of the population being comprised of younger individuals, resulting in a relatively young age structure.
1 answer