Typology of the European countries by the level of demographic ageing and demographic burden

Summary

ABSTRACT

Demographic ageing in the European countries is being analyzed with the aim to demonstrate various aspects of this complex phenomenon. The classification of the countries is based on indicators of demographic ageing and demographic dependence ratio (with children and old people). Several types of countries emerge according to these indicators: countries with medium, low and high level of demographic ageing and demographic dependence ratio. Bulgaria is among the countries with high level of demographic ageing, while demographic dependence ratio is high only when old people are concerned. The dependence ration concerning children is low. Other European countries with similar levels of demographic ageing are Italy, Greece, the former GDR, and Spain. Original mathematical methods for the classification are used, based on two-fold distributions of the countries by various indicators of ageing and demographic dependence ratios. Graphic illustrations display the relative position of each country in Europe according to the indicators under consideration.

Key words: demographic ageing, demographic burden, age structures.

Introduction

Demographic ageing is a normal process for demographically developed countries. It results in a modified age structure of the population – an increased proportion of old people and a decreased proportion of children and young people.

The main demographic factors determining this process are: 1) the regime of population reproduction (composed by the levels of fertility and mortality) and 2) net external migration.