Which stage of the demographic transition model is represented by a population pyramid with a wider base and narrower top?

The demographic transition model outlines the transition of a country from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates as it develops economically. A population pyramid with a wider base and a narrower top typically signifies a high birth rate and a decreasing population of older ages, which is characteristic of early stages of demographic transition.

In Stage 1 of the demographic transition model, the population pyramid would show a very wide base, indicating high birth rates alongside high death rates, leading to a relatively stable population. In later stages, such as Stage 3 and Stage 4, population pyramids often have a more columnar shape or a wider top, as birth rates decline and life expectancy increases. Stage 5 depicts further declines in birth rates, potentially leading to an inverted pyramid where the top is wider than the base, indicative of an aging population.

Therefore, a population pyramid with a wider base and narrower top aligns most closely with Stage 1 of the demographic transition model, as it signifies high fertility rates and lower life expectancy, reflecting a society that is still largely experiencing high mortality and thus has a more youthful population.