UPSC Prelims 2024 · Question 17 of 97
UPSC Prelims 2024 question on Countries Population Decline
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2024
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicHuman and Economic Geography
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
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 of declining population?
Show answer
Answer: A. 1, 2 and 4
Japan's population will more than halve from a peak of 128 million in 2017 to less than 53 million by end of the century. Japan already has the world's oldest population and the highest rate of people over the age of 100.
Italy is also expected to more than halve its population, from 61 million in 2017 to 28 million by end of century. Like Japan, Italy is known for its ageing population — more than 23% of people there were over age 65 in 2019.
Nigeria and other countries in Africa are bucking the trend — Nigeria will become the world's second most populous country, with 791 million people by 2100.
South Korea's demographic crisis has become the top risk to economic growth, with population on track to halve by end of the century and fertility rate likely to fall to 0.68 in 2024.
South Africa has a younger demographic profile and is not noted for ageing/declining population issues.
Countries 1 (Italy), 2 (Japan) and 4 (South Korea) are correctly identified → Option (a) 1, 2 and 4.