Issues associated with low fertility rates and ageing populations

Question 1

why do countries have low birth rates?

Answer 1

• shift in priorities (work)
• family planning
• childlessness isn’t stigmatised
• easy access to contraception
• change in agricultural practices

Question 2

what is Italy’s fertility rate?

Answer 2

-1.23

Question 3

issues created by Italy’s low fertility rate

Answer 3

• high % ageing dependants
• strain on resources
• population stagnation (isn’t increasing quickly)

Question 4

overpopulation problems

Answer 4

• unemployment as not enough jobs for everyone
• shortage of schools and hospitals
• shortage of houses so informal settlements grow (shanty towns)
• congestion on roads
• inflation
• increase in pollution
• rural-urban fringe damaged as informal settlements are built

Question 5

under population problems

Answer 5

• shortage of workers
• less people paying tax
• schools/hospitals closed as not enough clients
• hard to defend country
• necessary to attract migrants
• public transport links might close
• not possible to exploit all resources