A population pyramid, also known as an age-sex pyramid, is a graphical representation of the age and gender distribution of a population in a specific country. It provides valuable insights into the demographic structure and trends of a nation.
Let's delve into the population pyramid of Zimbabwe to understand its key characteristics and what they signify.
Чем отличаются демографические пирамиды разных стран
Key Features of Zimbabwe's Population Pyramid
Zimbabwe's population pyramid is typical of countries in poorer parts of the world (LEDCs). The key features include:
- High Birth Rate: The wide base of the pyramid indicates a large percentage of young people, reflecting a high birth rate.
- High Death Rate: The narrow top suggests a high death rate and lower life expectancies.
- Expansive Shape: The pyramid has a wide base and narrows towards the top, which is characteristic of an expansive population pyramid. This shape indicates a growing population.
Overall, Zimbabwe's population pyramid is typical of countries in poorer parts of the world (LEDCs).
Demographic Indicators
Understanding the demographic indicators of Zimbabwe provides a more comprehensive view of its population dynamics. Here are some key statistics for 2025:
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| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Age | 18.1 years |
| Total Fertility Rate (TFR) | 3.6 (Live Births per Woman) |
| Life Expectancy at Birth (Both Sexes) | 63.3 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 31.4 (infant deaths per 1,000 live births) |
| Urban Population | 37.9% (6,429,761 people) |
| Population Density | 44 people per Km2 |
These figures highlight that Zimbabwe has a young population with a high fertility rate, relatively low life expectancy, and a significant portion of its population residing in urban areas.
Population Growth and Historical Trends
The population of Zimbabwe has grown during the 20th century. This is in accordance with the model of a developing country with high birth rates and falling death rates, resulting in a relatively high population growth rate (around 3% or above in the 1960s and early 1970s). After a spurt in the period 1980-1983 following independence, a decline in birth rates set in. Since 1991, however, there has been a jump in death rates from a low of 10 per 1000 in 1985 to a high of 25 per 1000 in 2002/2003.
Based on the 2022 revision of the World Population Prospects, the population of Zimbabwe was estimated by the United Nations at 15,993,524 in 2021. About 38.9% comprised youths under 15, while another 56.9% grouped persons aged between 15 and 65 years.
Urbanization
Currently, 37.9% of the population of Zimbabwe is urban (6,429,761 people in 2025). The largest cities in Zimbabwe include:
- Harare (1,542,813)
- Bulawayo (1,200,337)
- Chitungwiza (371,244)
- Mutare (224,802)
- Gweru (158,200)
Dependency Ratio
The dependency ratio measures the proportion of dependents (those under 15 and over 65) to the working-age population (15-64). There are three types of age dependency ratio: Youth, Elderly, and Total. All three ratios are commonly multiplied by 100.
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- Youth Dependency Ratio: population ages 0-15 divided by the population ages 16-64. Formula: ([Population ages 0-15] ÷ [Population ages 16-64]) × 100
- Elderly dependency ratio: population ages 65-plus divided by the population ages 16-64. Formula: ([Population ages 65-plus] ÷ [Population ages 16-64]) × 100
- Total dependency ratio: sum of the youth and old-age ratios. Formula: (([Population ages 0-15] + [Population ages 65-plus]) ÷ [Population ages 16-64]) × 100
High dependency ratios mean that working-age populations face a greater burden in supporting and providing social services needed by children and elders. In areas such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, age dependency ratios remain relatively high.
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