01 Besides birth and death rates, which indicators are useful for an intermediate-level analysis of demographic transition?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Age structure, dependency, life expectancy, and social change
Explanation: Birth and death rates are central indicators, but they do not show the whole demographic situation. Age structure reveals the proportions of children, working-age adults, and older people. Dependency measures show how many people may rely on the working-age population. Life expectancy indicates survival and health conditions, while education, urbanisation, family planning, and changing roles of women help explain why fertility and family size change.
Land area, mountains, rainfall, temperature, and international boundaries may influence settlement or development, but they do not by themselves measure demographic transition. A useful intermediate analysis therefore combines vital rates with population structure, dependency, survival, and social change. Option A includes the most relevant group of indicators and is consequently the correct choice.