What is the dependency ratio?
A) the debt load of a developing country in relationship to a global lender
B) the number of people of nonworking age for every 100 people of working age
C) the number of people of nonworking age for every 1000 people of working age
D) the number of people of working age for every child under 10 years old
E) the number of children living in households per 1000 people in the population

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dependency ratio is defined as the number of people of nonworking age (typically under 15 or over 65) for every 100 people of working age (typically aged 15-64). This ratio is used to measure the burden placed on the working population to support those who are not working, such as children or retirees. The dependency ratio is the ratio of the number of people of nonworking age (under 15 years old and over 65 years old) to the number of people of working age (15-64 years old) in a population. Choice B correctly describes this definition. Choices A, D, and E are not related to the dependency ratio. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to a ratio of nonworking age to working age that is much larger than what is typically seen in populations.

What Is the Dependency Ratio