Development Indicators for Selected South American Countries, 2008

| Country | Life Expectancy at Birth (years) | Immunization Rate for Measles (% of children aged 12-23 months) | Annual Population Growth (%) |
|-----------|----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Argentina | 75 | 99% | 1.0% |
| Bolivia | 66 | 86% | 1.8% |
| Brazil | 72 | 99% | 1.0% |
| Peru | 73 | 90% | 1.1% |

Which conclusion is best supported by the data in this table?

A. Health care was more expensive in Argentina than in Brazil.
B. The quality of life was better in Peru than in Brazil.
C. Peru had a greater number of young people than Bolivia.
D. Bolivia had a lower standard of living than Argentina.



Answer :

To determine which conclusion is best supported by the data provided in the table, we will systematically analyze each statement using the given indicators: Life Expectancy at Birth, Immunization Rate for Measles, and Annual Population Growth.

1. Statement F: Health care was more expensive in Argentina than in Brazil.
- The table does not provide any information regarding health care costs. This means there is no data to either support or refute this statement.

2. Statement G: The quality of life was better in Peru than in Brazil.
- To evaluate the quality of life, we will look at the indicators such as Life Expectancy and Immunization Rate.
- Life Expectancy at Birth:
- Peru: 73 years
- Brazil: 72 years
- Immunization Rate for Measles:
- Peru: 90%
- Brazil: 99%
- Comparing these two indicators, Brazil has a higher Immunization Rate which is a critical aspect of health and hence quality of life. Although Peru has a slightly higher Life Expectancy, the difference in Immunization Rate is significant.
- Therefore, we cannot conclusively say that the quality of life was better in Peru than in Brazil based on these indicators.

3. Statement H: Peru had a greater number of young people than Bolivia.
- This can be inferred from the Annual Population Growth rate, as a higher growth rate suggests a younger population.
- Peru: 1.1%
- Bolivia: 1.8%
- Since Bolivia has a higher population growth rate than Peru, it typically indicates a larger proportion of young people.
- Therefore, this statement is not supported by the data.

4. Statement J: Bolivia had a lower standard of living than Argentina.
- To evaluate the standard of living, we again consider Life Expectancy and Immunization Rates.
- Life Expectancy at Birth:
- Bolivia: 66 years
- Argentina: 75 years
- Immunization Rate for Measles:
- Bolivia: 86%
- Argentina: 99%
- Both indicators, Life Expectancy and Immunization Rate, are considerably higher in Argentina compared to Bolivia which suggests a higher standard of living in Argentina.

From the analysis, the conclusion that is most strongly supported by the data provided in the table is:

J: Bolivia had a lower standard of living than Argentina.

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