Forty-five countries can anticipate shrinking populations between now and mid-century, according to the latest projections by the United Nations.  Dramatic declines are projected for most nations in Central and Eastern Europe.

The researchers predict that Japan`s population will shrink by 20 per cent between now and 2050 from 127 million to just over 100 million.

Germany`s population will drop from 82 million to 74 million, down 10 per cent.

In Italy, the population will decrease by 7 per cent from 59 million to 54 million.

Hardest hit will be countries of the former Soviet Union and its neighbours. Bulgaria`s population will drop a whopping 35 per cent, with Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Belarus and Romania experiencing similarly high decreases of between 25 and 35 per cent.

Rural areas can expect to experience disproportionately falling populations.

It is harder for smaller towns to adjust, creating a downward vortex. The more people leave a small town, the more difficult it is for a small town to attract jobs and services. And that lack of jobs and services prompts more people to leave town.

Big cities, even in countries where total population is shrinking, will generally continue to get bigger, while many small towns and villages look set to die out completely.

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