Low birth rates may cause labor shortages in some industrialized nations.Low birth rates in Western Europe Western Europe The countries of western Europe, especially those that are allied with the United States and Canada in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (established 1949 and usually known as NATO). and in industrialized in·dus·tri·al·ize v. in·dus·tri·al·ized, in·dus·tri·al·iz·ing, in·dus·tri·al·iz·es v.tr. 1. To develop industry in (a country or society, for example). 2. countries in other parts of the world may cause their workforces and, ultimately, their economies to shrink, though the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. appears set to meet its labor force needs at least through mid-century, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. a recent study. The Population Reference Bureau The Population Reference Bureau is a non-governmental organization in the United States, founded in 1929 by Guy Irving Burch, with support of Raymond Pearl. It provides information about demography. , a nonpartisan research organization that analyzes demographic trends throughout the world, asserts that a fertility rate of approximately 2.1 children to every woman is necessary to attain or maintain economic growth. The U.S. rate of 2.0 is boosted slightly by immigration immigration, entrance of a person (an alien) into a new country for the purpose of establishing permanent residence. Motives for immigration, like those for migration generally, are often economic, although religious or political factors may be very important. , though the so-called baby boom generation is largely responsible for the current fertility rate baby boomers produced a baby boom of their own. India, with a rapidly growing economy, boasts a fertility rate of 3.0, while China, largely considered the next great economic power, lags behind at 1.6 (down from 6.2 in the early 1950s). Some demographers think China will have a higher percentage of seniors than the United States by mid-century. For more information about the study, visit www.prb.org. Fertility Rates in Selected Countries India 3.0 South Africa 2.8 Indonesia 2.6 Mexico 2.6 Brazil 2.4 Unites States 2.0 France 1.9 China 1.6 Canada 1.5 Russia 1.4 Japan 1.3 Singapore 1.3 Spain 1.3 SOURCE: Population Reference Bureau, 2005 |
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