DEMOGRAPHICS:
From the demographic factors displayed above, one can infer that Southern Europe is in fact, representative of Stage 4 in the Demographic Transition Model. Primarily, due to the low birth rate of only 9 people per 1000, there is a clear reduction in births, hinting at a placement in more advanced of a stage in this model. Additionally the low death rate of 10 people per 1000 equates to better living conditions and standards. Other significant factors include the longevity of the life expectancy, ranging from 79 years for men to 84 years for a woman. Yet, such advancement of economic development cannot be explained without taking into account the rights and allowances of women. Due to the low fertility rate of 1.4 children per woman, it is obvious that the emphasis upon majority of women is not simply to provide offspring, but to continue in their own endeavors concerning employment and higher education. Despite these factors and the present rate of natural decrease, one cannot consider Southern Europe to be part of Stage 5 in the Demographic transition model since women still face around 20%-40% employment differences in countries like Italy and Greece, and existent positive net migration rates (which do assist in creating a slight increase in some areas of Southern Europe).
Total Population:
Albania: 2.9 million people
Andorra: 0.08 million people
Bosnia-Herzegovina: 3.5 million people
Croatia: 4.2 million people
Greece: 10.8 million people
Italy: 60.6 million people
Macedonia: 2.1 million people
Malta: 400,000 people
Montenegro: 600,000 people
Portugal: 10.3 million people
San Marino: 30,000 people
Serbia: 7.1 million people
Slovenia: 2.1 million people
Spain: 43.3 million people
Albania: 2.9 million people
Andorra: 0.08 million people
Bosnia-Herzegovina: 3.5 million people
Croatia: 4.2 million people
Greece: 10.8 million people
Italy: 60.6 million people
Macedonia: 2.1 million people
Malta: 400,000 people
Montenegro: 600,000 people
Portugal: 10.3 million people
San Marino: 30,000 people
Serbia: 7.1 million people
Slovenia: 2.1 million people
Spain: 43.3 million people
Southern Europe is currently in Stage 4 of the Demographic Transition Model due to its low death and birth rates, advanced economic and social factors, and close to negative natural decrease. The countries of Group A (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, the F.Y.R. of, Serbia) are considered developing countries, while countries in Group B (Andorra, Greece, Italy, San Marino, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia) are considered developed countries. Looking at past demographic trends, Southern Europe will be facing consistent population decline (especially in the countries of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Greece, Italy, Croatia, San-Marino, and Portugal) presenting problems such as: maintaining the pension system, an overwhelming aging population, economic stress upon younger generations, pressure upon aspects of the safety net such as healthcare, and negative net-migration rates leading to brain drain and loss of citizens in number.
Population Pyramids for Each Country
http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/country_population-pyramid
http://www.indexmundi.com/country/age_structure.html
http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/country_population-pyramid
http://www.indexmundi.com/country/age_structure.html
The population distribution present in Southern Europe is mostly dependent on the vast physical features currently existent. Bodies of water have veritable impact upon the settlement in these areas (as the settlement in countries such as Italy, Spain, and Greece) because populations place themselves alongside water resources due to fertile land, water availability, and access to necessary transport. Additionally, the urbanization factors also show us that in countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia, major cities tend to be the areas that attract most population growth and development. Currently, around 70% of a Southern European populations are located in urban areas, and around 30% in rural areas, giving yet another hint to the future trends present in population distribution.