Final answer:
To calculate the demographic percentages, one must analyze age-distribution data, which is critical for understanding social and economic needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calculating the Percentage of Population by Age Group
When analyzing demographic data, it is essential to understand the distribution of ages within a population, as it has significant implications for economic and social planning. By focusing on the percentage of the population under age 15 and over age 44 in a given country, we can draw insights into the future workforce, dependency ratios, and the potential need for services such as education and healthcare.
In this case, the student asked to calculate the percentage of the population under age 15 and over age 44, but the data provided in Figure 2.44 and Figure A6 do not specifically provide these age groups. Instead, they provide information on age groups from birth to 18 years, 19 to 64 years, and 65 years and over. Based on the additional data point that 12.6 percent of the population is age 65 and over, and by subtracting this from 100%, we can approximate the percentage of working-age adults (from age 18 to 64) as 87.4%.
Furthermore, if the data shows that more children (age 17 and under) are present than senior citizens (65 and over), this implies a relatively young population with a potential for future growth (as seen in the response where 25% of the population are children). The presence of a larger working-age population (as indicated by the 62.4% figure) suggests a strong labor force. The percentage of young and elderly gives insights into the dependency ratio, a vital statistic that reflects the number of dependents that the working population must support.
To make meaningful interpretations of these percentages, analysts usually look for trends over time (shown in historical data for 1970, 2000, and projected for 2030). Changes in the age distribution can indicate transitioning demographics, such as aging populations or youth booms, each with their own sets of challenges and opportunities for a country.