This Great Graphic was tweeted by Dr. GM Livingston, who apparently got it from Dr. Demography. It shows the population change since 1990. These are reportedly (no information source appears to have been cited) to be the countries with the weakest population growth.
The decline of the Japan's population has been the subject of much discussion, but since 1990, there are 24 countries that have experienced even slower growth, including Germany.
One of the most striking characteristics of the list is that it is overwhelmingly dominated by central and east European countries. Indeed, out side of Japan, there are three small non-European countries that made the list: Cook Islands, Guyana and St.Vincent.
Falling populations, mean that over time, work forces will also shrink, especially as the populations age. Policy, as we see in some countries, will be aimed at increasing the participation in the work force, primarily by trying to attract more women. In some countries, immigration policies may shift.
Output (GDP) is a function of how many hours are being worked and productivity. How many hours are worked is largely a function of how many people are working. The change in output may be more a function of the changes in number of hours being worked by current employees (think flow and stock terms).
It is clear why slower population growth, and of course outright declines, is a major reason that some many economists are pessimistic on the long-term growth outlook. Prospects of slower growth and the already asymmetrical distribution of wealth and income, means that distributional issues will likely enjoy increased salience on political agendas.
Great Graphics: Top 25 Countries with Weakest Population Growth since 1990
Reviewed by Marc Chandler
on
May 02, 2014
Rating:
Reviewed by Marc Chandler
on
May 02, 2014
Rating:
