Question

If the replacement rate is less than 2, what will the population pyramid look like? Will there ever be a situation where the number of children is less than the number of aged people? What is likely to happen to the population of such a country over time?

Answer 1

If the replacement rate is less than 2, the population pyramid will have a narrow base, showing that fewer children are being born, while the upper part may become wider because of the increasing number of older people.

Yes, in countries with very low fertility rates and high life expectancy, the number of elderly people can become greater than the number of children. Such a population is likely to age and gradually shrink over time. This can lead to a smaller working-age population, labour shortages, and increased pressure on healthcare, pensions, and other social services.