Consider the following countries : 1. Italy 2. Japan 3. Nigeria 4. South Korea 5. South Africa Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population ?

States that industrial (higher-standard-of-living) countries usually have lower birth rates and gives Japan as an example of low growth.

A student could note that Italy is an industrial/high‑income European country like Japan and therefore might exhibit similar low birth/slow growth patterns to investigate media references.

Defines a demographic stage (stage III) characterised by low death rate and low birth rate leading to diminishing population growth.

If Italy is placed in stage III of the demographic transition (as other developed countries are), one would expect media coverage about low/declining population to follow — worth checking Italian demographic data and press.

Lists causes of low birth rate (industrialisation, women’s participation, improved education) that are typical of developed economies.

A student can compare whether these socio‑economic factors apply to Italy (industrialised economy, female labour force participation, education levels) to assess plausibility of media focus on low births/ageing.

Explains that female participation in work and higher living standards reduce birth rates, producing low natural growth.

Knowing Italy has relatively high urbanisation and female workforce participation by OECD standards (basic outside fact), a student could infer these mechanisms plausibly lead to media discussion of ageing/decline and then check reports.

Notes that some regions/countries can reach fertility below replacement level (examples include several Indian states), showing that low birth rates and eventual population decline are documented outcomes of transition.

A student can apply the same logic to a developed nation: if Italy’s crude birth rate is below replacement (external fact to check), media mention of decline/ageing becomes plausible.