Which term is the measure showing the number of dependents relative to the working-age population?

Which term is the measure showing the number of dependents relative to the working-age population?

• A. Development indicators
• B. Dependency ratio
• C. Democracy
• D. Fairtrade

Answer: (B)

The measure captures how many dependents exist for each person in the working-age group. It compares those who are typically dependent (the young and the elderly) to those who are in the productive age band (often 15–64). This dependency ratio shows the demographic burden on the working-age population and on social support systems, influencing planning for schools, healthcare, and pensions. Development indicators encompass a wide range of economic and social measures and aren’t focused on the demographic burden itself. Democracy relates to governance, and fairtrade refers to a trade certification and ethics framework, not to the size of the dependent population. For example, more dependents per 100 working-age people signal greater pressure on the labor force and public services.

The measure captures how many dependents exist for each person in the working-age group. It compares those who are typically dependent (the young and the elderly) to those who are in the productive age band (often 15–64). This dependency ratio shows the demographic burden on the working-age population and on social support systems, influencing planning for schools, healthcare, and pensions. Development indicators encompass a wide range of economic and social measures and aren’t focused on the demographic burden itself. Democracy relates to governance, and fairtrade refers to a trade certification and ethics framework, not to the size of the dependent population. For example, more dependents per 100 working-age people signal greater pressure on the labor force and public services.