UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

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, ageing population or declining population?

  1. 1, 2 and 4
  2. 1, 3 and 5
  3. 2 and 4 only
  4. 3 and 5 only

Answer

Correct Answer

1, 2 and 4

Explanation

Italy, Japan and South Korea are widely associated with very low fertility, ageing populations and concerns about population decline. Nigeria and South Africa have different demographic profiles and are not the countries conventionally grouped in this context of persistently low birth rates and population ageing. Thus, countries 1, 2 and 4 are the correct set.

Topics: geography, low fertility and ageing, population trends, world population