Q67 · UPSC Prelims 2024 · Set A · Geography

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Consider the following countries :1.Italy2.Japan3.Nigeria4.South Korea5.South AfricaWhich of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population of declining population ?

A 1, 2 and 4
B 1, 3 and 5
C 2 and 4 only
D 3 and 5 only

Correct answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4

Explanation

  1. A

    1, 2 and 4

    1, 2 and 4. Italy, Japan and South Korea — low fertility / ageing.

  2. B

    1, 3 and 5

    1, 3 and 5. Nigeria and South Africa are not the usual ultra-low fertility set here.

  3. C

    2 and 4 only

    2 and 4 only. Drops Italy, which is in the ageing group.

  4. D

    3 and 5 only

    3 and 5 only. High-fertility / younger profiles, not the keyed set.

Summary. Official key is (a) 1, 2 and 4. Italy, Japan and South Korea are repeatedly in the news for very low birth rates and rapid ageing. Nigeria remains high-fertility; South Africa is not grouped with East-Asian / South-European ultra-low TFR in this paper. So 3 and 5 drop.