Population pyramid refers to a diagram of age structure with graphical illustrations that depict the distribution of individuals of different age groups in relation to human population and it ideally adopts the shape of a pyramid especially in cases of healthy region. The pyramid consists of two bar graphs, with the age plotted on Y- axis and population plotted on the X-axis. The males appear on the left while the females appear on the right (Paul 2006). This research paper provides a detailed insight into the structure and characteristics of Mexico's population pyramids.
Mexico's population continues to age significantly for the past 2 decades. In 2010 for example, the median age for the Mexican demographics was 26 years, which implies that the number of people below the age of 26 was, equal the number of people below the age of 26 (Alba 2001). The 2010 Mexico's census indicates that its population tripled to 112 million since 1960.in the future, the population of Mexico is likely to reach 125 million according to the U.S Bureau of Census' 2020-2050 forecasts. The assumptions include the stabilizing of fertility at 1.85 children for every woman but continue the high net emigration (Paul 2006).
The United States Bureau of census estimates that the Mexico's population will reach 144 million by the year 2050. The Census Bureau on the other hand expects the population of the U.S to continue grow and reach a projection of 440 million people by the year 2050. The population of the United States is likely to grow at a slower rate. It is important to note that this projection relies on assumptions concerning the future demographic courses of fertility, immigration and mortality.
Currently, the Mexican couples prefer marriage to other alternatives but slightly weaker as compared to the past (Alba 2001). According to the Census Bureau 40.5 percent of the Mexicans above age, twelve are in marriage compared to 44.5 percent in the year 2000 thus registering decline of 11 percent since the year 1990.
The population growth rate in Mexico slowed because of decline in the fertility rate. The fertility rate for the Mexican women dropped in the past ten years by 54 % for the women between ages 45-49 while the fertility rate within the prime child bearing ages of 30-34, 25-29, and 20-24 dropped by approximately 15%. Twelve percent is the smallest drop in relation to females aged between fifteen years and nineteen years .The rise in female education and the declining fertility rates makes it unlikely for Mexico to experience overpopulation (Paul 2006).
The decline in the fertility rate is because of improved women status, improved living standards, and the increase in the use of the birth control measures and the growing confidence in the survival chances of children until their maturity.
The projections according to the Census Bureau points to a lower population peak, though earlier in arrival because of higher net emigration. If the net migration for example stands at three hundred and sixty thousand per year as the average from the year 2010 till the year 2050, then the population of Mexico ought to peak at 134,5 by the year 2043 (Alba 2001). In conclusion, it is important to note that make accurate Mexico's population projection or forecasts it is necessary to make accurate forecasts for the net migration. However, the unexpected changes in death rate or birth rate trends make it quite difficult to make accurate population forecasts or projections.
The population by mid century or 2050 points to a zero natural population and not negative growth due to the reduction that is consistent with the demographic transition of Mexico. The Census bureau equally projects that by 2050 the birth rate is likely to decline to 2.1 children per woman. The decline will be significant but not rapid as formerly expected.