In 2010 the population of East Asia was about 1.56 billion- i.e. 23% of humanity. China was the world's most populous country, with 1.35 billion people. China comprised 87% of the region's population and Japan (127 million) an additional 8%. During 2005-10 average life expectancy and total fertility were estimated at about 74 years and 1.7 births respectively. Clearly, these figures largely reflect conditions in China.
In 1950-55 China's life expectancy and total fertility rate were about 40 years and 6.2 births. In the 1970s, the Chinese government introduced very strong measures to reduce fertility and, as a result, the TFR fell from about 6 births in 1969 to just over 2 in 1980.
The region's population was growing at about 0.6% per year during 2005-10. But, this growth rate is falling, and the population is also getting older at a fast pace-reflecting its earlier fast fertility decline. By 2010 the median age was already as high as 35 years, and about 48% of the population was residing in urban areas. Out of Europe and North America, Japan was the first major society to experience demographic transition. Few countries today are more demographically advanced than Japan.
Given below are two statements.
Statement I: Nearly about 9/10 of the population of East Asia resides in China. Statement II: Demographic characteristics of East Asia predominantly express the demographic characteristics of China.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
