[Containment of demographic growth in Europe]. / Detencion del crecimiento demografico en Europa.

PIP: Since 1960, the birthrate in Europe has diminished substantially so that in certain nations of Occidental Europe it is below the rate necessary to replace present levels. In a recent seminar, the Council of Europe discussed the negative aspects of reaching zero population growth (ZPG). The tendency then would be toward a large, older population supported by a smaller, younger population. The work force would also tend to be older with less ability to adapt to change and hence be a less mobile, less innovative group which would renew itself much more slowly. When ZPG is reached, the remaining population is affected by fluctuations in the birthrate which eventually affects supply and demand relationships in terms of educational facilities and job opportunities. Some countries in Europe, such as Hungary and Czechoslovakia, have recently encouraged pronatalist policies. Chile is obviously not in a position to worry about ZPG, but the diversity of worldwide demographic situations is shown.^ieng