What is a characteristic of a young population?

A young population is primarily characterized by a relatively high proportion of children. This demographic feature indicates that a significant segment of the population consists of individuals in their formative years, which can be a result of high birth rates and lower average life expectancy. A youthful population often reflects a stage in development where there are initiatives to increase family size or an underlying cultural or economic context that encourages larger families.

In addition, this characteristic can influence various aspects of society, including education, healthcare, and future workforce dynamics. A higher proportion of children typically requires investment in schools and childcare facilities, as well as policies that support families and ensure the wellbeing of younger generations.

The other options reflect different demographic trends but do not align with the defining features of a young population. For instance, a higher proportion of elderly individuals signifies an aging population, a lower birth rate indicates fewer children being born, and a stable economic situation is unrelated to the age distribution of a population. Each of these aspects presents a different societal focus, emphasizing the importance of understanding demographic structures when analyzing population characteristics.