ID :
188317
Tue, 06/14/2011 - 06:45
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/188317
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S. Korea's 'core productive population' drops in 2010
SEOUL, June 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's "core productive population" declined for the first time in 2010, data showed Tuesday, raising fears the nation's economy could lose its vibrancy down the road due to a lack of working people.
According to the data offered by Statistics Korea, the core productive population came to 19.54 million last year, down 367,000 from 2005 when the figure stood at 19.91 million. Core productive population refers to people aged 25-49, who are regarded as most active in participating in economic activities.
This marked the first time that the cited age group has fallen since the agency began compiling related data in 1949. The figures are available every five years when the nation carries out its census.
The ratio of the cited age group to the nation's total population also fell to 40.7 percent after peaking at 42.3 percent in 2005. South Korea had a population of around 48 million in 2010.
Men and women both saw contractions in the working-age population. The number of core productive men fell to 9.85 million from 10.03 million in 2005. Females came to 9.69 million, down from 9.88 million five years ago.
The decline was attributed to the nation's prolonged low birth rates, which resulted in less population supply into the core working age.
"Despite the exit of post-war baby boomers born in 1955-1963 from the core productive population, new people appear to be failing to fill the hole left behind," an official from the statistics agency said. "Such a trend will likely continue."
Experts worry that such a decline might result in less consumption, while placing a heavier burden on younger people in supporting the fast-increasing number of senior citizens. That eventually could undercut the nation's long-term growth potential, they added.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)
According to the data offered by Statistics Korea, the core productive population came to 19.54 million last year, down 367,000 from 2005 when the figure stood at 19.91 million. Core productive population refers to people aged 25-49, who are regarded as most active in participating in economic activities.
This marked the first time that the cited age group has fallen since the agency began compiling related data in 1949. The figures are available every five years when the nation carries out its census.
The ratio of the cited age group to the nation's total population also fell to 40.7 percent after peaking at 42.3 percent in 2005. South Korea had a population of around 48 million in 2010.
Men and women both saw contractions in the working-age population. The number of core productive men fell to 9.85 million from 10.03 million in 2005. Females came to 9.69 million, down from 9.88 million five years ago.
The decline was attributed to the nation's prolonged low birth rates, which resulted in less population supply into the core working age.
"Despite the exit of post-war baby boomers born in 1955-1963 from the core productive population, new people appear to be failing to fill the hole left behind," an official from the statistics agency said. "Such a trend will likely continue."
Experts worry that such a decline might result in less consumption, while placing a heavier burden on younger people in supporting the fast-increasing number of senior citizens. That eventually could undercut the nation's long-term growth potential, they added.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)
