Demographic transition and population ageing in small states

Abstract

This chapter discusses whether there are significant differences between small and larger countries in terms of their demographic transitions. The analysis also takes into account the magnitude and speed of ageing in different sized countries, classified by income per capita categories. It looks at the drivers of the demographic transition and population ageing amongst different sized countries, categorized by their gross domestic product per capita. Despite the diversity with respect to the geographical location and the level of development of small states, small country size is likely to lead to similar traits and challenges. Fertility control is largely voluntary but the traditional system of fertility regulation through marriage has long been replaced by contraception. A factor, other than birth and death rates, which affects the demographic transition is emigration. Together with capital outlays, the small economies experienced shortage of skilled workers and high rates of unemployment.