Consider the graphs indicating different age groups in the populations of two countries A and B over a period of few decades. With reference to the graphs, which of the following are the most logical and rational inferences that can be made?
1. Over the last two and a half decades, the dependency ratio for country B has decreased.
2. By the end of next two and a half decades, the dependency ratio of country A will be much less than that of country B.
3. In the next two decades, the workforce relative to its total population will increase in country B as compared to country A.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Correct Option: 1 and 3 only

- Statement 1 is correct: The dependency ratio is defined as the ratio of the non-working-age population to the working-age population (15-64 years). For country B, the graph shows that the proportion of the working-age population has steadily increased over the last two and a half decades, which mathematically means the dependency ratio has decreased. - Statement 2 is incorrect: The graphs show that country A's working-age population is declining while the elderly population is rising rapidly, which means its dependency ratio will increase, not become much less than country B's. - Statement 3 is correct: Over the next two decades, country B's working-age group (workforce) is projected to rise or remain high relative to its total population, whereas country A's is declining. Thus, the workforce relative to total population will increase in country B as compared to country A. Consequently, only statements 1 and 3 are valid, making Option C the correct choice.