2020 Preparations - Step 3: Population Impact

One of the dynamics affecting international affairs over the next 15 years as we progress toward 2020 will be changing populations.

• China and India approaching 1.5 billion people each; India with no discernible population control; China with an aging population
• Europe with a static indigenous population and an influx of Muslim immigrants
• A broad swath of moderate to high growth through the Mediterranean and West/Central/SE Asia
  
• Japan aging and static population
• Moderate to high growth in South and Central America
• High growth in Mexico with an Hispanic influx into southern tier U.S.
• Russia and sub-Saharan Africa with the possibility of decline populations because of disease and political instability
  

The map below is based on my interpretation of the CIA paper on 2020, but I think it tells the picture: the U.S., Europe, and Japan... current economic leaders... will be faced with different, but important population challenges. The U.S. and Europe may face serious cultural conflicts between the older and newer populations.

India's growth may continue unabated due to its young population and increasing national wealth. China's one-child policy will eventually create an aging, static population unless the policy is repealed.



For more on China's aging population, see this morning's Detroit Free Press.