The process referred to by terms such as the "demographic window of opportunity," "demographic dividend," "demographic bonus," "demographic gift," or "demographic gain" is expected to occur only once in a country's history and typically lasts around 30 to 40 years. The term "demographic window of opportunity" refers to the period during which the working-age population (ages 15–64), who are not dependent, exceeds the combined total of the dependent young (ages 0–14) and elderly (65 and over) populations.
In other words, this window represents a period in which a country’s population has the most favorable age structure for development. During this time, expenditures related to dependent age groups are expected to decrease, thereby allowing economic growth potential to be prioritized. Although the duration of the demographic window of opportunity varies from country to country, it holds critical importance for national development.
If countries implement the necessary structural reforms and make them sustainable before entering this period, success in national development will not be a matter of chance. Indeed, it is well known that many countries with aging populations and declining fertility trends are striving to increase fertility rates and attract population through migration in order to replenish their labor markets and keep this window open for as long as possible.
