Theory and Method in Demography
Step 1: Select two populations
Using the US Bureau International Population database https://www.census.gov/programs-
surveys/international-programs/data/tools.html select TWO countries for a comparative analysis. One of your chosen countries should be a population currently with a low population growth rate (less than 1% per year) and one should be a population experiencing a high population growth rate (above 2%). You can check that in “Demographic Overview” on the US Census Bureau’s website provided above.
Step 2: Complete the following 3 sections
1. Using the method from workshop 1, produce a population pyramid for each of your chosen countries for 2022. Present your two population pyramids and ONE additional graph that helps you to compare the
structure of the populations. Referring to your charts and the underlying data used to create them,
a) Write a short comparative analysis of the differences in the size and structure of the two populations
b) Discuss how the different structures of the two populations are likely to be influencing the
population growth rates of the two populations
2. Use the same website to source Age Specific Fertility Rates (ASFRs) for your chosen countries in 2022.
a) Use the data to compare fertility behaviour in the two countries. You may use the ASFRs to generate
any additional period measures of fertility you choose .
Your answer should include up to a maximum of TWO graphs. The task is not to explain the background reasons for the differences but provide a clear description of the differences in period fertility as revealed in your measures.
b) For ONE of your chosen countries, assuming the ASFRs for 2022 stayed constant over the next 20
years, explain how they would be likely to influence the future growth rate and structure of the
population over that period
3. Use the same website to source Infant Mortality Rate and Life Expectancy at birth (for men and women
separately) for ONE of your chosen countries between the years 1990-2022.
a) Use the data to describe the mortality change between 1990 and 2022 in your chosen country. Please
explain how life expectancy is dependent on different ASMRs. Your answer should include up to a
maximum of TWO graphs. As with the fertility task, the aim is not to explain the historical background
for the mortality development but provide a clear description of the mortality change over time.
b) Assuming all ASMRs in your chosen country decreased steadily from 2022 levels over the next 20
years, explain how this would influence the future growth rate and structure of the population over
that period.
