Question

How can a country can maintain its future economic growth when its population in the 0-14 age group is very small?
It can allocate more money for pensions for the elderly.
It can increase its human capital by attracting skilled immigrants.
It can shut down some of its industries.
It can import more goods.

Answer 1

To maintain future economic growth when the population in the 0-14 age group is very small, the most effective approach among the options provided is:

**It can increase its human capital by attracting skilled immigrants.**

Attracting skilled immigrants can help counterbalance a shrinking youth population by bringing in individuals who can contribute to the workforce, fill in skill gaps, and support various sectors of the economy. This can also lead to innovation and increased productivity, which are essential for sustained economic growth.

The other options, while they might provide some short-term benefits, are not as effective in fostering long-term economic growth in the face of a declining youth population. Here’s a brief explanation of why:

- **Allocating more money for pensions for the elderly:** This may help support the older population but could strain public finances and limit investments in other growth-promoting areas.

- **Shutting down some industries:** This would likely lead to job losses and could hinder economic growth rather than support it.

- **Importing more goods:** While it can meet demand, reliance on imports may not foster domestic economic growth and could lead to trade imbalances if the local economy isn’t generating enough to support this.

Thus, increasing human capital through skilled immigration stands out as the most viable pathway for ensuring future economic growth.