Elisaveta Drăghici
Analysis of the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Romania and Its Social Implications (1992-2025)
Elisaveta Drăghici
Article Information
Pages: 37-58
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24193/RJPS.2026.1.02
*Elisaveta Drăghici
*„Dunărea de Jos” University of Galaţi, 111 Domnească St., 800201, Galaţi, Romania, elisaveta.draghici@ugal.ro
Abstract. This study analyses the demographic dependency ratio of the Romanian population between 1992 and 2025, with the aim of showing its dynamics and highlighting its social consequences. The study is based on public statistical data from the National Institute of Statistics and describes and compares the dependency ratios within the resident population with those based on domicile. The analysis of the demographic dependency ratio revealed two aspects: first, that in 1990 the working population felt pressure from the young population (0-15 years old), and that currently the situation has changed, with increased pressure from the elderly population (65 years and older); secondly, by comparing the dependency ratio calculated for the population domiciled in the country and for those residing in Romania, it appears that public pressure is greater on the resident population. The social consequences are felt through the following: the burden on the working population bearing the responsibility of care for the elderly population, the increasing demand on the social protection system for the elderly, the focus on the young population, whose dependency ratio has decreased due to the decline in the birth rate, requiring public policies in the field of human resource management to ensure the labour force reserve. The study is of interest both to those concerned with demographic research and to those involved in the development and management of public policies.
Keywords: Romanian population, demographic dependency, dependency ratio, old age dependency, youth dependency
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