Which of the following would invariably happen in a country, when the demographic dividend has begun to operate?<br/>1. The number of illiterate people will decrease.<br/>2. The ratio of very old and very young will decrease for a while.<br/>3. Population growth rate will quickly stabilize.<br/><br/>Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. The number of illiterate people will decrease — Incorrect. Demographic dividend means a higher share of working-age population due to falling dependency ratio; it does not invariably ensure a fall in the absolute number of illiterates. That depends on education access and policy.

2. The ratio of very old and very young will decrease for a while — Correct. This is the core feature of demographic dividend: the dependent population (children and elderly) becomes smaller relative to the working-age population for a temporary period.

3. Population growth rate will quickly stabilize — Incorrect. Even after fertility declines, population may keep growing due to population momentum; stabilization is not quick or inevitable.

Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.