In accordance with a new study, by the end of the XXI century, the population of 97% of the world's countries will decline. This is due to a fall in the birth rate, which is already below what is necessary to maintain the population in half of the countries. Mail.ru reports this with reference to MedicalXpress.
By 2050, the population of 75% of countries will be declining, and by 2100 this figure will reach 97%. Only six countries - Samoa, Somalia, Tonga, Niger, Chad and Tajikistan - will be able to maintain fertility levels sufficient to replace the population.
This trend is expected to lead to significant social changes, restructuring the global economy and the balance of power. Dependence on immigration will become necessary to maintain economic growth.
However, WHO experts call for caution in forecasts. The models used in the study are not perfect and projections are subject to change. In addition, population decline may have benefits for the environment and food security.
