Consider the following countries:ItalyJapanNigeriaSouth KoreaSouth AfricaWhich of the above countrie

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Question

Consider the following countries:ItalyJapanNigeriaSouth KoreaSouth AfricaWhich of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: A — 1, 2 and 4 (Italy, Japan and South Korea)Step-by-step Solution:Country 1 — Italy: Italy is one of the most prominently discussed countries for its ageing and declining population. Over 23% of Italians were above 65 years as of 2019. Italy's population is projected to more than halve from 61 million (2017) to around 28 million by the end of the century, according to demographic projections. Italy faces severe demographic challenges including low fertility rates (TFR well below 2.1) and an ageing workforce. ✓Country 2 — Japan: Japan has one of the world's oldest populations and the highest proportion of people over 100 years (centenarians). Japan's population peaked at 128 million in 2017 and is projected to fall below 53 million by the end of the century. Japan's TFR is approximately 1.2 — far below the replacement level of 2.1. Japan's shrinking workforce and social security burden are major policy concerns. ✓Country 3 — Nigeria: Nigeria is NOT a country associated with low birth rates or ageing population. In fact, Nigeria has one of the highest fertility rates in the world (TFR ~5.0) and a very young population. It is projected to become the world's 2nd or 3rd most populous country by 2100 with approximately 791 million people. ✗Country 4 — South Korea: South Korea has the world's lowest fertility rate — approximately 0.72 in 2023, falling further. South Korea's population of 51 million is projected to halve by the end of the century. The demographic crisis is considered the top economic and social risk in South Korea. ✓Country 5 — South Africa: South Africa does not frequently feature in discussions of ageing population or extremely low birth rates. Its demographic challenges relate more to inequality, HIV/AIDS burden, and high youth unemployment — not population decline due to low birth rates. ✗Italy, Japan, and South Korea (1, 2, and 4) are the countries frequently discussed for demographic decline.Why other options are incorrect:Option B (1, 3 and 5 — includes Nigeria and South Africa): Incorrect. Nigeria has very high birth rates; South Africa is not prominently associated with ageing population concerns.Option C (2 and 4 only): Incorrect. Italy is also a prominent example — it should be included.Option D (3 and 5 only): Incorrect. Nigeria and South Africa are not countries known for ageing population.Key Concept: Global Demographic Challenge — Ageing Populations: Total Fertility Rate (TFR) needed for replacement: 2.1. Countries with critically low TFR: South Korea (0.72), Hong Kong (0.8), Japan (1.2), Italy (1.2), Spain (1.2), Germany (1.5), China (1.09). Demographic dividend vs. demographic burden: Young population (India, Africa) = demographic dividend if skilled; Ageing population (Japan, EU) = demographic burden (rising pension and healthcare costs). India's TFR: Now below 2.1 nationally (~2.0), considered close to replacement level — a major achievement of family planning programmes. Nigeria: Africa's largest economy and population; projected to rival China and India by 2100 in population. The UN World Population Prospects and Lancet studies project dramatic population declines for many European and East Asian countries by 2100.

Consider the following countries:ItalyJapanNigeriaSouth KoreaSouth AfricaWhich of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?

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Consider the following countries:ItalyJapanNigeriaSouth KoreaSouth AfricaWhich of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?

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