To understand the most likely cause of Japan's negative population growth factor, we should examine the key demographic indicators provided in the chart:
1. Population Growth Rate:
- Japan: -0.10%
- Uganda: 332%
- Mexico: 107%
- Global average: 1.10%
2. Fertility Rate:
- Japan: 1.39
- Uganda: 606
- Mexico: 225
- Global average: 245
3. Life Expectancy:
- Japan: 84 years
- Uganda: 54 years
- Mexico: 77 years
- Global average: 68 years
The question is asking for the cause of Japan's negative population growth factor. Here are the answer choices for the most likely cause:
- High life expectancy
- Low fertility rate
- High fertility rate
- Low life expectancy
Considering the demographic data:
- Japan has a high life expectancy (84 years), which indicates that people in Japan live a long time.
- The fertility rate in Japan (1.39) is noticeably lower than the global average (245) and much lower compared to other countries listed.
Hence, the more plausible causes can be:
1. High Life Expectancy: This would generally contribute to an aging population but does not directly explain negative population growth.
2. Low Fertility Rate: A low fertility rate implies fewer births, leading to population decline over time if it is below the replacement level of around 2.1 children per woman.
Given these points, the most likely cause of Japan's negative population growth factor is a low fertility rate.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
Low fertility rate.
