The population pyramid of a country shows a very broad base, rapidly tapering sides, and a sharply pointed apex. Birth rates are high and have begun to decline slowly, while death rates have fallen considerably. This pyramid indicates a population that is:

• A Stationary, with nearly equal proportions across age groups
• B Contracting, with fewer births than deaths
• C Expanding, with high potential for future population growth ✓
• D Ageing, with the majority above 60 years

Explanation

A pyramid with a broad base and narrow apex represents an expanding population, typical of the early and middle phases of the demographic transition where fertility remains high while mortality has already declined. Each birth cohort is larger than the one before, guaranteeing further growth even if fertility falls, through population momentum. Option A describes the bell-shaped pyramid of a stationary population, and option D describes a contracting or regressive pyramid with a narrower base than the middle.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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