what exactly does increasing/decreasing population growth say about the country? also, if birth and death rates remain the same, what is the population pyramid going to look like in a couple of decades?

It depends on who is dying. If infants are dying, it quite different than if older adults are dying. In wars, or genocides, the deaths skew the population pyramid. I remember visiting N Ireland in the 60's...many young men were dying then, and there were lots of young women looking for potential husbands. So who is dying is critical to your question.

When it comes to population growth, increasing or decreasing rates can provide insights into the overall dynamics and characteristics of a country. Here's an explanation of what it signifies:

1. Increasing population growth: A country experiencing increasing population growth typically suggests that the birth rate exceeds the death rate. This can indicate several things:

- Rapid economic development: Increasing population growth may be a result of improved healthcare, better sanitation, and increased access to resources and education, leading to higher birth rates and lower mortality rates.
- Young population: A growing population often indicates a larger proportion of younger individuals, which can have implications for labor force availability, economic potential, and societal changes.
- Strains on resources and infrastructure: With a larger population, there can be increased demands on resources like housing, healthcare, education, and transportation. Managing and meeting these demands becomes more challenging.

2. Decreasing population growth: A country experiencing decreasing population growth, where birth rates are lower than death rates, can imply different circumstances:

- Aging population: A declining birth rate and an aging population can indicate factors such as declining fertility rates, improved healthcare and life expectancy, urbanization, and changing societal norms.
- Shrinking labor force: A diminishing population can result in a smaller workforce, potentially impacting economic productivity, pensions, social welfare systems, and the availability of skilled workers.
- Increased strain on social systems: As the elderly population grows, there may be increased pressure on healthcare systems, social security, and support systems for the elderly.

Regarding the population pyramid, if birth and death rates remain constant, the shape of the population pyramid will likely start to resemble a more evenly distributed rectangular shape. This means that the proportion of people in each age group will be relatively equal, indicating a stable population structure. This scenario may occur if the birth and death rates reach a point of equilibrium, resulting in minimal changes in population size or age distribution.

It's important to note that these explanations are general and population dynamics can be influenced by various factors such as government policies, migration patterns, socio-cultural changes, and more. To get a more accurate and detailed analysis, it's advisable to consult specific demographic data and research for a particular country or region.