rich and poor – old and young

I am convinced that it is impossible to really understand the implications and reality of ‘extreme statistics’ – you know, the ones we like to use to wow a presentation audience or stop somebody in their tracks as they read a report.

For example: I find it impossible to visualise and understand the economic and social implications of the differences in population make-up between Uganda and Italy.

Uganda has less than 2% of the population over the age of 65 – Italy has 18.4%.
Uganda has 50% of the population between 0-14. In Italy the figure is 14.2%.

How can you visualise the day-to-day difference of living in two such different countries?

If you want to look at the country age statistics and forecasts go to the World Bank web site. Dick Stroud: www.20plus30.com