Dependency Ratio

Dependency ratios comprise a group of measures often computed for pairs of population groups in a state of dependency. The nature of interdependencies between working age groups and specific subpopulations constitutes a demographic phenomenon of widespread concern among demographers. The working age group is generally defined as the category of persons between 15 and 64 years old. In many developing countries, however, retirement from the workforce occurs five or more years earlier. In these countries, the working age group is below 15 and above 59 years, bringing together two groups that are dissimilar age-wise but somewhat similar in terms of economic dependency.

The specific subpopulations of interest are often seen as belonging to various age groups outside the working age group. The working age group in ...