Dependency Ratio: This ratio compares the number of dependents (those aged and ) to the economically active population (aged ). A high ratio suggests a heavy economic burden on the working population to support the young and elderly.
Ageing Population: This occurs when the median age of a country rises due to declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy. It often leads to a higher dependency ratio and increased demand for healthcare services.
Population Pyramid: A graphical tool used to visualize the age and gender structure of a population. The shape of the pyramid (e.g., wide base vs. narrow base) provides immediate insight into the stage of demographic transition.
Infant Mortality Rate: The number of deaths of children under one year of age per 1,000 live births. This is a sensitive indicator of the quality of prenatal and postnatal care, as well as general nutrition and sanitation.
Life Expectancy: The average number of years a person is expected to live from birth. This reflects long-term improvements in medicine, diet, and living conditions within a specific region.
| Term | Focus | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Rate | Total population | Per 1,000 people |
| Fertility Rate | Women of childbearing age | Average children per woman |
| Population Density | Spatial concentration | People per |
| Population Distribution | Spatial pattern | Description of where people live |
Check the Denominator: Always verify if a rate is expressed 'per 1,000' or as a percentage. Most demographic rates like birth and death rates use 1,000 as the base to avoid small decimal values.
Identify the Trend: When looking at data, distinguish between a 'declining growth rate' (population is still growing, just slower) and a 'negative growth rate' (population is actually shrinking).
Dependency Calculation: Ensure you include both the young () and the elderly () when calculating the total dependency ratio, unless the question specifically asks for the 'youth dependency' or 'old-age dependency' ratio.
