Final answer:
Rwanda's population pyramid indicates a high dependency ratio due to its broad base, with more young dependents and fewer elders, reflecting high birth rates and a youthful population structure influenced by the country's historical and economic context.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Rwanda's dependency ratio requires examining its population pyramid. Like many countries with a similar history of conflict and economic challenges, such as post-genocide transitions, Rwanda exhibits a distinct demographic shape. A typical population pyramid reflecting Rwanda's demographics would likely show a broad base, indicating a high birth rate, and a relatively narrow upper portion, displaying a lower number of elderly individuals. This shape suggests a high dependency ratio, with a larger proportion of the population being under the age of working (typically under 15 years old) and a smaller proportion of elderly (over 65 years old).
The large youth cohort means the workforce must support a disproportionate number of dependents, affecting economic policies, resource allocations, and social programs. Rwanda's historical events, such as the 1994 genocide, have had significant impacts on its demographic patterns. Ethnic conflicts and governance issues have led to further economic strain, exacerbating the high dependency ratio. As a nation progresses through the stages of economic development, changes in the population pyramid are expected, corresponding to lowered birth rates and an increased aged population, which shifts the dependency ratio over time.