Aging population

A country that has more than 7% elderly persons (generally referring to people who are more than 65 years old) in its population, is said to have an aging population（老龄化）. Examples of countries with aging population are France, Australia and Japan.

Effects of an aging population

Experts said that if a country was aging population, it could face a serious shortage of workers in the future. And the persons who are working could face much higher taxes(税收) to help support the growing number of retired people.

Measures to an aging population

To reverse the trend of aging population, birth rates have to be increased. On the otherwise, the country also can admit the immigrants（移民）.

 Material 3

Effects of a Rapidly Growing Population

What is likely to happen if population grows too rapidly?

Competition for jobs

In a country with rapid population growth, there will be a lot of people competing for the same jobs. It has been estimated that about 30 million new jobs have to be created every year if every new person reaching working age is to have a job!

Competition for House

Not only will people compete for jobs, but they will also compete for housing. This is especially so in cities without sufficient（足够的） houses to shelter the growing population. In these cities, it is not uncommon to see many people making their homes on pavements and in public place.

Educational Opportunities

With more babies being born every year, there is a need to make sure that there are sufficient schools and teachers to educate the young. In poorer countries, it may not be possible to provide enough schools. As a result, not everyone will be able to attend school and obtain an education.

Beware of the gender imbalance

China’s population and family planning commission has warned  the country of a gende rimbalance,for world population day ,on july 11

  According to the fifth census  taken in 2000,the proportion of new-born infant was about 120:100 ,boys to girls.

  The commission also pointed out that the normal sex ration of new-borns,boys to girls, was some where bewteen 103:100 and 107:100

  Chinese authoritied blame this problem on traditional beliefs,many chinese still believe that only a son can continue the family line and provide for the elderly parents.it is quite common for womern to have an abortion when they find the child is a girl, especially in the rural area.

  The sex imbalance will ultimately affect the sexual make –up of the population as a whole across age groups,it will exert an profound influence on the development of society. In 10years also around 20 percent of china’s males will be single if this gender imbalance continues,according to the experts

  The government is now pushing its ‘care about girls” campain to develop a social security system that protect girls and their families.

 The campaign begin in 11 counties last year with the purpose of eliminating gender discrimination from pregnancy onward by means of public education.