Economic Dependency Ratio

The Economic Dependency Ratio measures the proportion of dependents in a population compared to those who are working. Dependents typically include children (0-14 years) and older adults (65 years and above), while the working-age population is generally considered to be individuals aged 15 to 64. A high dependency ratio implies that a smaller workforce supports a larger number of dependents, which can strain resources and social services. Conversely, a low ratio indicates a more balanced or productive population. Understanding this ratio helps assess economic health and sustainability in society.