Question

Look at the data above. Provide an explanation for Europe’s projected population decrease by the year 2050.

Answer 1

The percentage of people over the age of 65 and under the age of 15 in Europe is currently the same at 16% each. Therefore, the majority of the population is between the ages of 16 and 64. In forty years from now, in 2050, a greater percentage of the population will be over the age of 65. Europe also has a relatively long life expectancy of 75 years. This, combined with a low birth rate means that by 2050 Europe’s population will actually be less than it is today.