2. The estimated total population for the 50 ECA member States in mid-1980 was 434 million. Projections show that this figure will almost double by the year 2000 (see table VII.A.1). The projected annual growth rates indicate that, on average, the population of Eastern, North and West Africa has been growing at faster rates than that of Central and southern Africa. However, these apparent trends should be viewed with caution, since they naturally reflect the underlying assumptions. 3. Data on age groups indicate that about 44 per cent of the estimated population of ECA member States in 1980 was composed of children under 15 years of age, while only about 3 per cent were aged over GS (see table VII.A.2). These figures imply a depen­ dency ratio of about 89, which is expected to improve to 85 by the year 2000, indicating a heavy burden on the working popula­ tion for the rest of the century. Estimates of dependency ratios by subregion are as follows: 1980 2000 Central Africa 81 86 Eastern Africa 91 88 North Africa 89 78 Southern Africa 91 83 \'lest Africa 90 86 4. Estimates of average family size for the five years 1980-1985 show that fertility levels are still high in all the subregions and are likely to remain so until the year 2000 (see table VII.A.3). As in the case of the total population, the apparent decline towards 1995-2000 has to be treated with caution, since it is a reflection of implicit assumptions. The point to bear in mind is that average family size in all the ECA member States was estimated at about 6 for the period 1980-1985 and 5 for the period 19S5-2000. This over-all picture will be broadly reflected in the subregions (see table VII.A.3). 127 E/ECA/Cl'-1. 9/5 Table VII .A.l 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing demographic trends and population growth in Eastern and Central Africa, with specific data on age groups, dependency ratios, and family size. The focus on population growth rates, age structures, and fertility levels suggests that the text is primarily concerned with understanding population dynamics and their implications for the region.

**Category**
Education, Health