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

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4

Italy, Japan and South Korea have low births and ageing people.

Statement by statement

1. ✓ YES Italy has very low fertility and an ageing population.

2. ✓ YES Japan’s population is shrinking and ageing.

3. ✗ NO Nigeria has high fertility and a young population.

4. ✓ YES South Korea has the world’s lowest fertility (~0.7).

5. ✗ NO South Africa’s population is still growing.

Why the others are wrong

(b) Adds Nigeria and South Africa — both young.

(c) Drops Italy.

(d) Picks the two young countries.

The trap

None.