What does the dependency ratio measure?

The dependency ratio measures the relationship between the number of dependents and the working-age population, typically defined as those aged 15-64. This ratio is important because it provides insights into the economic burden that the working-age population carries in supporting the dependent segments of society, such as children and the elderly. A higher dependency ratio indicates a larger proportion of dependents to the workforce, which can have implications for economic productivity, social services, and public policy.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of population studies. For instance, measuring job opportunities per person doesn't address the demographic structure of a population. The population growth rate looks at changes in total population size over time rather than the age distribution. Lastly, the proportion of urban to rural residents pertains to settlement patterns and does not reflect the economic implications of age demographics. Understanding the dependency ratio is crucial for assessing potential economic challenges and planning for future resource allocation.