What is frequently used to visually compare and analyze population data across different categories?

A bar graph is an effective tool for visually comparing and analyzing population data across different categories. It displays data using rectangular bars, where the length of each bar is proportional to the value it represents. This allows for immediate visual contrast between different categories, making it easy to see which categories have higher or lower values.

Bar graphs are particularly useful when dealing with discrete data or categories, such as comparing populations in different regions, age groups, or demographic segments. The clear separation of bars avoids confusion and provides an accessible way to interpret the information at a glance.

In contrast, pie charts are better suited for showing proportions of a whole rather than direct comparisons, line graphs typically illustrate trends over a period of time rather than categorical comparisons, and histograms represent the frequency distribution of continuous data, which does not lend itself to categorical comparisons in the same way that bar graphs do.