Q. 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?
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 5
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 5 only
Correct answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation:
1. Italy:
– Fertility rate: 1.2 births per woman
– Population ages 65 and above: 23.7% of total population
– Population growth: -0.4% annual change
2. Japan:
– Fertility rate: 1.3 births per woman
– Population ages 65 and above: 29.0% of total population
– Population growth: -0.4% annual change
3. Nigeria:
– Fertility rate: 5.2 births per woman
– Population ages 65 and above: 2.8% of total population
– Population growth: 2.5% annual change
4. South Korea:
– Fertility rate: 0.8 births per woman
– Population ages 65 and above: 16.9% of total population
– Population growth: 0.1% annual change
5. South Africa:
– Fertility rate: 2.3 births per woman
– Population ages 65 and above: 5.9% of total population
– Population growth: 1.3% annual change
This data confirms that Italy, Japan, and South Korea indeed have low fertility rates, ageing populations, and low or negative population growth, aligning with the answer (a) 1, 2 and 4.
Nigeria and South Africa show significantly higher fertility rates and population growth, with much smaller proportions of their populations aged 65 and above.