NOVA Online | The Wilds of Madagascar

Population Dynamics

Procedure

Part I: Provide a thumbnail sketch of population data.

Complete the following chart by adding data for the United States.

	Madagascar	United States
Age Structure (1999 est.) 0-14 years 15-64 years 65 years and over	7,600,000 7,700,000 490,000
Population growth rate	2.8 %
Infant Mortality Rate	89.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy	male 52.0 years female 54.5 years

Part II: Calculate percentages of age structure in the two populations.

Part III: Create pie and bar graphs.

Present the percentage data in Part II in pie-chart and in bar-graph form using the graph paper, compass, ruler, and colored pencils. Make two pie charts: one representing the age distribution in Madagascar and one representing the U.S. population. Each chart should have a title and the percentage numbers written in the pie wedges. Represent the data in bar-graph form using red and blue pen to distinguish the two countries.
If you were to present this data to an audience which graph type would you choose and why?

Part IV: Consider implications of the above information.

As you look at the above information, what are some of the major differences you see in population dynamics between the United States and Madagascar?
In terms of the population dynamics, what are some of the major challenges each country faces?
What government policies would you recommend that each country adopt to alleviate some of the problems caused by that country's age population distribution? Describe the policy and how it would help. Be sure to include cost considerations as you decide on your recommendations.