Question Although China has the largest population in the world, what explains the country's declining NIR? (1 point) Responses AIDS pandemic AIDS pandemic famine famine a 30-year population control policy a 30-year population control policy high numbers of emigrants leaving China high numbers of emigrants leaving China government provided contraceptives government provided contraceptives
The correct answer is:
- a 30-year population control policy
China implemented the one-child policy in 1979, which limited most urban couples to having only one child. This policy significantly contributed to a decline in the country's natural increase rate (NIR) by reducing the number of births.
The decline in China's NIR (Natural Increase Rate) can be explained by a combination of factors, including:
1. A 30-year population control policy: China implemented a strict one-child policy from 1979 to 2015, which aimed at limiting population growth. This policy significantly reduced the birth rate and consequently contributed to a decline in the NIR.
2. Government-provided contraceptives: In order to enforce the one-child policy, the Chinese government provided free or low-cost contraceptives and promoted their use. This initiative helped to reduce the number of births, further contributing to the declining NIR.
3. High numbers of emigrants leaving China: There has been a significant increase in the number of emigrants leaving China in recent years. This includes individuals seeking better economic opportunities or education abroad. The outmigration of people from China has also contributed to the declining NIR.
It is worth noting that while the above factors have played a significant role in the declining NIR in China, the overall population remains large due to historical high birth rates.
To understand what explains China's declining natural increase rate (NIR), we can analyze each of the given options and see which one aligns with the situation in China:
1. AIDS pandemic: While the AIDS pandemic can impact population growth, it is not a significant factor in explaining China's declining NIR. AIDS prevalence in China, although not negligible, is not as high as in some other countries.
2. Famine: Historically, China has experienced famine episodes that have caused significant population decline in the past. However, the declining NIR in China today is not primarily caused by widespread famine.
3. A 30-year population control policy: This option refers to China's one-child policy, which was implemented from 1979 to 2015. Under this policy, couples were usually limited to having only one child. This measure effectively reduced China's population growth rate, contributing to the declining NIR.
4. High numbers of emigrants leaving China: While emigration can impact population numbers in a country, it is not a leading cause of China's declining NIR. Emigration from China has certainly occurred, but it is not the primary driver behind the decline.
5. Government-provided contraceptives: China's government did provide and promote the use of contraceptives as part of their population control policies. The availability and encouragement of contraceptive use directly influenced China's declining NIR.
Considering the options given, the most accurate explanation for China's declining NIR is the implementation of the 30-year population control policy (China's one-child policy) and the government's provision and promotion of contraceptives as a means of population control.