The 'dependency ratio' in demography measures:
- A Ratio of males to females in a population
- B Ratio of urban to rural population
- C Ratio of non-working age population (0–14 and 65+) to working age population (15–64) ✓
- D Proportion of population below poverty line dependent on government
Correct answer: C. Ratio of non-working age population (0–14 and 65+) to working age population (15–64)
Explanation
The dependency ratio = (population aged 0–14 + population aged 65+) / (population aged 15–64) × 100. It represents the economic burden on the working-age population. A demographic dividend occurs when the working-age population is proportionally large and the dependency ratio is low, offering a window of economic growth opportunity.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.