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Questions and Answers
What is the current average fertility rate in the UK?
What trend has been occurring regarding fertility rates over the past 50 years?
Which region is noted for having higher fertility rates compared to other parts of the world?
What phenomenon is indicated by the old age dependency ratio (OADR)?
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What does Paul Morland suggest is a consequence of declining birth rates?
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Which organization reports a significant decline in wildlife population over the past 50 years?
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What demographic change is highlighted as critical for fiscal revenues and public expenditure?
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How does Amy Jankiewicz view the trend of declining fertility rates?
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What was the Old Age Dependency Ratio (OADR) in the UK in the 1950s?
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How many workers are projected to be available for each retiree by the end of the 21st century?
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As of today, how many people aged 80 or older are estimated to be in the UK?
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Which countries are identified as having the worst levels of government debt to GDP due to ageing populations?
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What demographic trend is contributing to the UK's population growth?
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What is one consequence of large-scale immigration in the context of developed countries?
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What is a predicted trend for fertility rates in sub-Saharan Africa according to the provided content?
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Which of the following statements about the fertility rate is true?
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Study Notes
Fertility Rates & Population Trends
- The average fertility rate in the UK is now 1.44 children per woman, the lowest figure since records began.
- This is below the replacement level fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman, meaning there are not enough births to replace the dying population.
- This below-replacement level fertility rate has been a trend for 50 years in the UK and most other developed countries.
- The pattern is linked to growing wealth, secularization, women's empowerment, and increasing life expectancy.
- The UK population is currently about 68.3 million and is expected to reach 78 million by 2050.
- This growth is driven by immigration, as the UK would be in population decline without it.
- Sub-Saharan Africa is an exception to the trend with high fertility rates, but even there rates are declining.
Ageing Population & Its Impacts
- The UK's population is ageing, with the old age dependency ratio (OADR) rising significantly.
- This means the number of people of retirement age is growing faster than the number of working-age people, creating a strain on resources.
- The OADR is expected to be close to 60% by the end of the century, meaning just 1.7 workers per retiree.
- This aging population strains the NHS due to increased need for healthcare services amongst the elderly.
- Countries with the most aging populations (Greece, Italy, Japan etc.) experience high levels of government debt to GDP.
Immigration & Global Dynamics
- Immigration is a key factor in maintaining the UK's population growth.
- However, significant immigration raises concerns about the rise of right-wing parties and the potential for unsustainable reliance on foreign born citizens.
- The developed world's reliance on immigration from developing countries can be considered a form of post-colonial exploitation.
- It's likely sub-Saharan Africa will experience a drop in fertility rates mirroring those seen in other developed nations.
Sustainable Population & Policy
- The text highlights the impact of the Anthropocene epoch on population dynamics and the need for sustainable population.
- Governments have limited control over fertility rates, either through policies to increase or decrease them.
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Description
This quiz explores the current fertility rates and population trends in the UK, highlighting the implications of below-replacement fertility and an ageing population. It discusses factors contributing to these trends, such as economic changes and immigration. Test your knowledge on these critical demographic changes affecting society.
