Part 6/11:
The implications of declining birth rates and fertility extend far beyond mere numbers. As longevity has increased, the demographic structure of the population is shifting radically. Rather than a youthful pyramid, many developed nations now exhibit demographic characteristics of a square, with the number of elderly matched closely to younger age groups.
This demographic trend presents significant challenges. Countries such as China, Russia, and the United States may soon face severe workforce shortages due to an aging population. For instance, China’s population is expected to peak and subsequently decline, with projections indicating a potential loss of 700 million people by the century's end.