In reality, however, there are numerous countries, especially across parts of Europe and East Asia, where low birth rates have caused a major decrease in population.
The birth rate, also known as the crude birth rate, evaluates the figure of live births that occur during a given year for every 1,000 members of the population estimated during the same year. Natural change, then, is determined is by subtracting the crude death rate from the crude birth rate, leaving the change in population not due to immigration or emigration.
Germany and Bosnia are two such European countries characterized by exceptionally low birth rates. As mentioned, low birth rates affect not only countries in Europe, as East Asia has also experienced low rates within such countries as Japan and South Korea.
The major factors that contribute to this trend are high costs of living, increased female education, and other factors such as an aging population. The economic structure could suffer if such trends are continued, as older, retired populations grow larger than younger, employed producers. We will see how costs are affecting birth rates globally, as well as how this factor can cause economies to become damaged.
Economic Causes
One of the factors that has the potential to foster low birth rates in a country is the cost of raising a child there. Many parents expect the fact that the educational needs of their children are requisites that must be met in order to secure their offspring’s future. Striving to equip the next generation with the knowledge necessary to become a well-rounded individual and contribute to the greater good of society as a whole can prove to be an expensive endeavor. Simply put, the better educated a person is, the greater their chances of success in life will be. For this reason, couples lacking the finances to ensure the pedagogic needs of their children may avoid becoming pregnant altogether.Economic Consequences
As we continue to see a decrease in the populations of many countries with low birth rates, there is increasing concern for the future economic growth of a country. One troubling consideration arises from the realization that fewer people will be able to join the workforce in coming years. Without adequate numbers of people to fill positions within certain occupations, then a decrease in the overall productive capacity of a country is likely to occur. Additionally, low birth rates mean a smaller younger population relative to the elderly. Within the framework of social welfare programs common among many developed countries, this will mean the less numerous working young will be strained to support the financial needs of a relatively larger population of elderly retirees.What Can Be Done to Remedy Low Birth Rates?
In conclusion, the current socioeconomic environment will need to be repaired for low birth rates to be resolved in places where they are seen. Countries such as Germany, which prides itself on their manufacturing productivity and innovation in business, will need the next generation to succeed in order for their economy to thrive in the future. For such reasons, Japan was pleased to hear that, though their birth rate is low, there has been a slight increase over the past year. As many companies are becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues, the conservation of energy is becoming an area through which living costs may be greatly reduced.Prospects for the Future
While it seems that the dense, yet still growing, global population will increasingly strain our resources, there are still countries experiencing unique problems caused by the exact opposite. Each country on this planet is a vital part to the world as a whole, and a steady population is essential for the ideas, visions, and dreams of those countries’ peoples to live on. With the proper attention directed towards problems they face because of low birth rates, the situation can be mended for a brighter future.Lowest Birth Rates In The World By Country
Rank | Country | Birthrate (per 1,000) |
---|---|---|
1 | Monaco | 6.65 |
2 | Japan | 7.93 |
3 | Andorra | 8.13 |
4 | Korea, South | 8.19 |
5 | Singapore | 8.27 |
6 | Slovenia | 8.42 |
7 | Taiwan | 8.47 |
8 | Germany | 8.47 |
9 | San Marino | 8.63 |
10 | Greece | 8.66 |
11 | Italy | 8.74 |
12 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 8.87 |
13 | Macau | 8.88 |
14 | Bulgaria | 8.92 |
15 | Serbia | 9.08 |
16 | Romania | 9.14 |
17 | Hungary | 9.16 |
18 | Hong Kong | 9.23 |
19 | Portugal | 9.27 |
20 | Austria | 9.41 |
21 | Croatia | 9.45 |
22 | Czech Republic | 9.63 |
23 | Spain | 9.64 |
24 | Poland | 9.74 |
25 | Qatar | 9.84 |
No comments: