Step-by-step explanation:
1. Population pyramid analysis:
1.1 Male aged 15-19: Approximately 1.2 million
1.2 Female aged 15-19: Approximately 1.8 million
1.3 The age group 20-24 years makes up the largest portion of the total population.
1.4 Total population aged 65 and over: Approximately 0.6 million
1.5 Total population under 15 years old: Approximately 14-18.4 million
2. Shape of the pyramid: The population pyramid is an expansive or bell-shaped pyramid, indicating a stable population with a relatively balanced distribution across age groups. It shows that the birth rate is somewhat consistent with the death rate and life expectancy, leading to a gradual increase in population size.
3. Implications for South Africa's BR (Birth Rate), DR (Death Rate), and LE (Life Expectancy):
The pyramid's expansive shape suggests that the birth rate is moderate, indicating a relatively healthy number of births. The stable distribution across age groups indicates that the death rate is also relatively moderate. Furthermore, the pyramid's shape suggests that life expectancy is relatively consistent across various age groups.
4. Economic and social advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Economic growth potential: A stable and balanced population can provide a potential workforce that contributes to economic growth and development.
- Social cohesion: With a relatively even distribution of population across age groups, there can be better social cohesion and intergenerational support.
Disadvantages:
- Ageing population: The pyramid's narrow top indicates a decline in birth rates, which may lead to an ageing population in the future, potentially impacting the workforce and social welfare systems.
- Healthcare burden: An ageing population might place an increased burden on healthcare and pension systems, requiring additional resources to cater to the elderly population's needs.
Note: The numerical values provided for the population groups are approximate estimations based on the visual representation of the pyramid. For precise data, official population statistics should be referenced.