Japanese Elderly Make Up Greatest portion of the population

Japanese are known for living long lives.

It is also well known these days that the birth rate is declining in Japan. Consequently, there are more elderly people making up the population of Japan and less youngsters to contribute to the social security funds to provide for them.

By 2050 it is predicted that Japanese 65-years of age or older will make up 35.7% of the population of Japan.

Compare that to:

1. Germany – 28%

2. France – 26.4%

3. United Kingdom – 23.3%

4. U.S.A. – 20%

If Japan doesn't start producing more young people, they will be in a great fix by mid century.

So, what can a country do to encourage its kids to be 'fruitful and mulitply?'

What do you think?

2006 Asahi Nenkan

Please consider nominating RisingSunOfNihon for Best New Blog Started in 2006 or Best Topic Blog by going to the Seventh Annual Weblog Awards – the 2007 Bloggies. January 10th is the deadline.