A country's total population is nearly stable but the dependent elderly population is rising while the working-age group is shrinking. What is the most likely outcome?

Correct answer: Dependency ratio and pressure on public finances may rise

A population can be nearly stable in total size while its internal age structure changes substantially. When the elderly share rises and the working-age group shrinks, fewer workers may be available relative to the number of people needing support. Older people may also require more pensions, medical services, and long-term care. These changes can increase the dependency ratio and place pressure on government budgets, even without rapid total population growth.

The likely result is therefore higher economic and public-finance pressure, so option A is correct. A stable total population does not make age structure irrelevant. School demand would not definitely double, because that depends on births and the size of the child population, not simply on elderly growth. Economic pressure also does not disappear automatically; it may become more serious as the tax base and labour supply narrow.