Today’s post by Jan-Hendrik Pretorius shows that South Africa’s male–female population pyramid once had a wide base, reflecting a young population with high birth rates. Over time, it has become more column-shaped as birth rates have fallen and life expectancy has increased. This transition, driven by improved healthcare and broader social changes, signals an aging population and a more even balance between males and females in younger cohorts. In the younger age groups, males slightly outnumber females, while in the older age groups, females make up a larger share of the population.
