Population Structure: Ethnic Characteristics

The population pyramid for the migrant population in Germany (below) shows several features which are characteristic for most countries with a significant number of immigrants.

• The largest numbers are in the economically active groups as these are people who have come to find work.

• The large number of young children is a result of economically active age groups coinciding with the fertile age group.

• There is a relatively small proportion of elderly people as these are the least likely to migrate.

• There are more males than females. This is because it is usually the male who moves first to seek work with the intention later of either returning home or being joined by his family. Females are more likely to remain behind for religious reasons or because of family ties.

Click link to see annotated rural-urban population pyramid.