Case Study- Japan

Question 1

Japan’s physical environment and influence on population size/distribution

Answer 1

70% mountainous- small area of land occupied = densely populated cities
Climate varies due to the north south extension of the country
Located on boundary of three tectonic plates =frequent hazards
Volcanoes provide fertile soil

Question 2

Reasons for ageing population

Answer 2

Excellent healthcare and living standards= highly LE
Low fat diets = few obesity problems
Women receive good education therefore focus on career before family
Education expensive = Children £££
Contraception = accessible and widely used

Question 3

Demography

Answer 3

BR= 8.3/ 1000
FR= 1.4
DR= 9.9/1000
Stage 5 on the DTM = natural decrease

Question 4

Average LE

Answer 4

83

Question 5

Percentage of population 65+

Answer 5

24%

Question 6

Percentage of population 65+ estimated by 2303

Answer 6

33% (one third)

Question 7

Percentage of population 65+ estimated by 2050

Answer 7

38%

Question 8

Percentage of population you are young dependants

Answer 8

13.5

Question 9

Percentage of population economically active

Answer 9

63%

Question 10

Impact of ageing population on national services

Answer 10

Shrinking working population- elderly only pay small % of medical care through universal system
Increase pressure on healthcare - greater demand for medical and care workers

Question 11

Cost of ageing population to Japanese government

Answer 11

25% of government budget spent on pensions/ social security for the elderly
40% of all government public spending on service for the elderly
Expected to increase as the population continue to age!!!