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 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 1, 3 and 5
- (c) 2 and 4 only
- (d) 3 and 5 only
Why the answer is (a)
• Italy, Japan and South Korea are regularly in the news for demographic decline: Japan's population has fallen every year since 2008; South Korea has the world's lowest fertility rate (about 0.7); Italy's fertility is around 1.2 and its population is shrinking and ageing.
• Nigeria, by contrast, has one of the world's highest fertility rates (over 5) and is projected to become the third most populous country.
• South Africa's fertility (about 2.3) is above replacement and its population is still growing.
• So the countries noted for low birth rates and ageing are 1, 2 and 4.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 1, 3 and 5
- Nigeria and South Africa have high or above-replacement fertility.
- (c) 2 and 4 only
- Italy also has a low birth rate and ageing population.
- (d) 3 and 5 only
- Nigeria and South Africa have growing populations.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.