Demographic Information:
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Analysis: As can be seen from the population pyramid, western Europe is not experiencing much growth. In fact, in Germany, the rate of natural increase is -2.47% (decreasing). Most other countries either have a stable growth or a small net growth. There is about equal gender distribution in the bottom half of the pyramid, but it leans slightly toward females as age increases.This is simply because females have a longer life expectancy by 5 years (84 for women and 79 for men) and because it was mostly men who fought in WWII, causing them to have a lower aging population. Growth is slowing because women do not see a need to bear as many children as they seek jobs out-of-home in service, management, and IT. In western Europe, except for discrepancies in wages, women have the same rights as men do, being able to hold political positions, vote, own private businesses, and occupy the same jobs.
Population By Country and Demographic Stage:
There is high population density in Germany; especially in the northwestern section where both Amsterdam and Brussels (the capital) are. In between Germany and Italy (with relatively high population density), there is a band of low density (0-10 persons/sq km). This is because the Swiss Alps provide a physical barrier and have a much higher elevation and lower temperature, making them less habitable. There are also centers of high density near major cities; such as east of Prague, Czech Republic, around Paris, France, and just east of Warsaw, Poland. Approximately 79% the population lives in urban areas.
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As of 2016 Germany faces a declining population; the total fertility rate is around 1.44 births per woman. To keep population stable, the rate must be closer to 2.33. Thus, there are and are going to be fewer people to occupy job positions for more able-bodied people, and more resources are going to be used to care for the elderly. France has recently experienced a population boom, with many younger people becoming available, but the rate is declining now to ~1.93 (2016). France may see the same as Germany as women have fewer children and elders begin to outnumber young people. Austria also faces a changing structure, as its now baby-boom labor force is soon to retire and leave their jobs while birth rates continue to be low, causing the expected number of people over 65 to double from now to 2060 while people of working age (15-64) will decrease in number. Liechtenstein’s and Switzerland’s populations are expected to remain stable or increase due to relatively high in-migration. The population of the Netherlands is relatively young and is expected to continue to grow. Belgium’s annual growth rate is -0.04% indicating an aging population that may have an even higher aging population as time passes. Luxembourg also faces the issue of an increasing aging population, lower birth rates, and a baby boom population set to exit the labor force. Monaco faces the issue of few children, with only 12% of the population being under 14 years old.
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Population Pyramids for All European Countries