Question 7 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Geograph y

Question

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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1, 2, and 4

Strategy: Direct attention to countries with persistent international headlines on ageing and depopulation: Japan is globally recognized for an ultra-low birth rate and the highest proportion of elderly people. Italy's demographic crisis is marked by its old median age and declining births. South Korea is in a similar situation, frequently discussed for its rapidly collapsing fertility rate and demographic time bomb. Nigeria and South Africa trend toward high fertility and population growth, not decline. Thus, select only those countries with strong global narratives of population ageing and decline.

Key Info: Japan is widely cited as the most aged society: its median age surpasses 48, and over 28% of its people are above 65. Long-term projections show a sustained fertility rate below 1.5 and shrinking population. Italy also faces severe demographic decline, with some of Europe's lowest fertility rates (about 1.2) and more than 23% of its people aged 65 or older. Both countries confront economic and social strains related to pensions, healthcare, and a shrinking workforce. South Korea's fertility rate has fallen to the lowest in the world (reported as low as 0.7), stoking economic policy concerns about future labour shortages, education, and pension sustainability; media coverage highlights its 'demographic cliff.' Nigeria, in contrast, is Africa's most populous country with a high birth rate and a median age of about 18, projected to become the world's second-largest population by 2100. South Africa maintains a relatively young society with higher replacement fertility. Global demographic analyses, such as the UN World Population Prospects, consistently list Italy, Japan, and South Korea among nations with the most acute ageing and toughest population decline challenges.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 1, 3, and 5

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 2 and 4 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 3 and 5 only

Consider the following countries: Italy Japan Nigeria South Korea South Africa Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?

Consider the following countries:

Italy

Japan

Nigeria

South Korea

South Africa
Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?