UPSC Prelims 2024 Q67: Geography – World Demographics
- (a) 1, 2 and 4
- (b) 1, 3 and 5
- (c) 2 and 4 only
- (d) 3 and 5 only
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4
Explanation
Countries with Low Birth Rates / Aging / Declining Population
| Country | Demographic Situation | Frequently in news? |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | TFR (Total Fertility Rate) below 1.3; rapidly aging population; population declining | YES - severe demographic crisis |
| Japan | TFR below 1.3; fastest-aging society; population declining since 2008 | YES - world's oldest society |
| Nigeria | TFR ~5.5; one of world's highest birth rates; population expected to reach 400 million by 2050 | NO - opposite situation |
| South Korea | TFR below 0.8 (world's lowest); record-low birth rate; severe aging concerns | YES - most severe fertility crisis globally |
| South Africa | TFR ~2.4; younger population; known more for HIV/AIDS challenges than low birth rates | NO - not primarily known for low birth rates |
Correctly identified: Italy (1), Japan (2), South Korea (4) = Answer: 1, 2 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Italy (severe aging), Japan (oldest society, declining population), and South Korea (world's lowest fertility rate below 0.8) are all in the news for low birth rates and aging populations.
- (b) Incorrect. Nigeria has one of the world's highest birth rates (TFR ~5.5) and is actually discussed for population explosion concerns, not low birth rates. South Africa also has a younger demographic profile.
- (c) Incorrect. South Korea must be included - it has the world's lowest total fertility rate (below 0.8), making it the most extreme case of demographic decline globally.
- (d) Incorrect. Nigeria and South Africa are not in the news for low birth rates. Nigeria is known for high birth rates and population growth. South Africa's demographic challenges are different.
Key point
Italy, Japan, South Korea = aging/low birth rate crisis countries. South Korea has world's lowest fertility rate (TFR < 0.8). Japan has world's oldest society. Nigeria = high birth rate country (TFR ~5.5).
Remember
Italy, Japan, and South Korea are frequently in the news for low birth rates and aging populations. Nigeria has a high birth rate and is known for population growth, not decline.
Common mistakes
- Including Nigeria in low-birth-rate countries - Nigeria has one of the highest birth rates in the world and is frequently cited for rapid population growth, not decline.
- Excluding South Korea - South Korea has the world's lowest recorded fertility rate (below 0.8 TFR), making it the most extreme case of demographic decline.
- Including South Africa in aging population discussions - South Africa faces different demographic challenges (HIV/AIDS, inequality) and has a relatively younger population than Japan/Italy/South Korea.
Exam tip
Aging/low birth rate countries in news: Japan (oldest society), Italy (European crisis), South Korea (TFR < 0.8 = world's lowest), Germany, China. High birth rate concern countries: Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Chad (Sub-Saharan Africa).
Sources
- UN Population Division - World Population Prospects 2023
- NCERT Class 12 Geography - Chapter 2: The World Population (Distribution, Density and Growth)