67
Question 67
Consider the following countries :
1. Italy
2. Japan
3. Nigeria
4. South Korea
5. South Africa
Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?
1. Italy
2. Japan
3. Nigeria
4. South Korea
5. South Africa
Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?
AOptions
A
A) 1, 2 and 4
B
B) 1, 3 and 5
C
C) 2 and 4 only
D
D) 3 and 5 only
BSolution
Let's analyze the demographic trends of each country:
1. Italy: Correct. Italy has one of the world's lowest birth rates and one of the oldest populations in Europe, facing significant demographic challenges with an ageing and declining population.
2. Japan: Correct. Japan is a prime example of a country with an extreme ageing population and persistently low birth rates, leading to a shrinking workforce and significant social and economic challenges. It is often cited as a global leader in demographic decline.
3. Nigeria: Incorrect. Nigeria has one of the highest birth rates globally and a very young, rapidly growing population. It is expected to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050.
4. South Korea: Correct. South Korea has the world's lowest birth rate (as of recent years, often below 1.0 children per woman) and is experiencing rapid population ageing and projected decline. It is a prominent case study for severe demographic challenges.
5. South Africa: Incorrect. While South Africa faces various demographic issues, it does not typically experience a low birth rate or declining population. It has a relatively high birth rate compared to developed nations, and its population is still growing, albeit slower than some other African nations.
Therefore, Italy, Japan, and South Korea are frequently mentioned for low birth rates, ageing, or declining populations.
1. Italy: Correct. Italy has one of the world's lowest birth rates and one of the oldest populations in Europe, facing significant demographic challenges with an ageing and declining population.
2. Japan: Correct. Japan is a prime example of a country with an extreme ageing population and persistently low birth rates, leading to a shrinking workforce and significant social and economic challenges. It is often cited as a global leader in demographic decline.
3. Nigeria: Incorrect. Nigeria has one of the highest birth rates globally and a very young, rapidly growing population. It is expected to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050.
4. South Korea: Correct. South Korea has the world's lowest birth rate (as of recent years, often below 1.0 children per woman) and is experiencing rapid population ageing and projected decline. It is a prominent case study for severe demographic challenges.
5. South Africa: Incorrect. While South Africa faces various demographic issues, it does not typically experience a low birth rate or declining population. It has a relatively high birth rate compared to developed nations, and its population is still growing, albeit slower than some other African nations.
Therefore, Italy, Japan, and South Korea are frequently mentioned for low birth rates, ageing, or declining populations.
CStrategy
For questions on demographic trends, group countries by development status. Developed countries (especially in Europe and East Asia) often face ageing/declining populations, while many developing countries (especially in Africa) experience rapid growth.
DSyllabus Analysis
Social Issues: Demography, Population Trends. Economy: Demographic Dividend/Challenge. Current Affairs: Global Demographic Reports.
EQuestion Analysis
This is a current affairs-driven factual question from Demography/Social Issues. It tests knowledge of global population trends. Japan, South Korea, and Italy are classic examples of countries facing these demographic challenges. Nigeria and South Africa represent the opposite trend. Easy to Medium difficulty.