Consider the following countries:1. Italy2. Japan3. Nigeria4. South Korea5. South AfricaWhich of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?
✓ Correct answer: a) 1, 2 and 4
ExplanationOptions 1, 2 and 4 are correct:Italy has a low birth rate and ageing population.The country has one of the lowest fertility rates in the world at around 1.3 children per woman (well below the replacement rate of 2.1).This has led to a rapidly ageing population, with a significant proportion of the population over 65 years old.Japan is often highlighted for its aging population and declining population.The country has one of the oldest populations in the world with over 28% of its population aged 65 or older.Japan’s birth rate is also very low, at around 1.4 children per woman leading to a shrinking population.South Korea is frequently mentioned for its extremely low birth rate, which is the lowest in the world at around 0.7- 0.8 children per woman.This has led to concerns about a rapidly ageing population and a declining workforce.Options 3 and 5 are incorrect:Nigeria has one of the highest fertility rates in the world at around 4.5-5.3 children per woman and a very young population.The median age in Nigeria is approximately 18 years which makes it one of the young
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