To determine the most likely cause of Japan's negative population growth, we'll analyze the demographic information provided:
1. Population Growth Rate:
- Japan: [tex]\(-0.10\%\)[/tex]
- Uganda: [tex]\(3.32\%\)[/tex]
- Hevico: [tex]\(1.07\%\)[/tex]
- Global Average: [tex]\(1.10\%\)[/tex]
2. Fertility Rate:
- Japan: [tex]\(1.39\)[/tex] births per woman
- Uganda: [tex]\(6.06\)[/tex] births per woman
- Hevico: [tex]\(2.25\)[/tex] births per woman
- Global Average: [tex]\(2.45\)[/tex] births per woman
3. Life Expectancy:
- Japan: [tex]\(84\)[/tex] years
- Uganda: [tex]\(54\)[/tex] years
- Hevico: [tex]\(77\)[/tex] years
- Global Average: [tex]\(68\)[/tex] years
Analysis:
- High Life Expectancy: Japan has a life expectancy of [tex]\(84\)[/tex] years, which is higher than all the other regions and even the global average of [tex]\(68\)[/tex] years. Generally, a higher life expectancy is associated with an aging population but does not directly contribute to negative population growth.
- Low Fertility Rate: Japan has a fertility rate of [tex]\(1.39\)[/tex] births per woman, which is significantly lower than Uganda's [tex]\(6.06\)[/tex], Hevico's [tex]\(2.25\)[/tex], and the global average of [tex]\(2.45\)[/tex]. A low fertility rate means fewer children are being born, which can directly lead to a decline in population over time.
- High Fertility Rate: This option is incorrect for Japan, as its fertility rate is actually low compared to other regions.
- Low Life Expectancy: Again, this option is incorrect because Japan has the highest life expectancy among the compared regions.
Given these points, the most plausible explanation for Japan's negative population growth rate is the low fertility rate. A fertility rate of [tex]\(1.39\)[/tex] is below the replacement level (typically around [tex]\(2.1\)[/tex] births per woman), leading to fewer births and, consequently, a declining population.
Thus, the most likely cause of Japan's negative population growth is the low fertility rate.
