16 Jan

China: Historically Low Birth Rate

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DailyGeo will resume on Tuesday, January 21st.

 
China
Historically Low Birth Rate
China’s birthrate has fallen to 10.48 live births per 1,000 people, the lowest level since 1949. In 2019, Chinese births numbered 14.6 million, representing 500,000 fewer births than 2018, and the third year in a row of decreasing overall births. In light of falling fertility rates, the Chinese government changed their one-child population control policy in 2015 to allow families to have two children. Demographers point to other societal factors, including a higher inclusion of women in the workforce and rising costs of living, rather than government policy as the reason for the falling birthrate.
This interactive map depicts the birthrates of countries in Asia. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: New York Times, Guardian, BBC, NPR, TIME
Graphic Source: IndexMundi
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Myanmar
Closing an Infrastructure Deal 
Chinese President, Xi Jinping, has started a visit to Myanmar to tie up large infrastructure deals as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.  The $1.3 billion deal includes a deep-sea port in Kyaukphyu, Rhakine State – the controversial region in which Myanmar has been accused of conducting a state-led genocide against the Rohingya. Coupled with the port, China plans to complete a high-speed rail linking a proposed industrial zone, connecting the two nations along their borders and giving Beijing access to the Indian Ocean. China is Myanmar’s second-biggest investor and backer on the world stage, as other countries have distanced themselves amid accusations of genocide.  Analysts say a favorable deal for China is likely but will be met with protests by citizens of Myanmar.  

This map depicts key components of China’s Belt and Road infrastructure expansion deal with Myanmar. Click on the map to learn more.

Graphic Source: Yahoo
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Australia
Dinosaur Trees Saved
Officials announced firefighters successfully embarked on a secret mission to save the only known natural prehistoric grove of Wollemi pines, sometimes referred to as “dinosaur trees” from the bushfires that have devastated New South Wales. Experts used fire retardant and irrigation techniques to protect the trees which are situated in an undisclosed sandstone grove in the Wollemi National Park, in the Blue Mountains, about 200km north-west of Sydney. With less than 200 left, these monoecious trees were thought to be extinct until they were discovered in the area in 1994. The Wollemi pine peaked in abundance about 34 million to 65 million years ago and can reach a height of 130 feet. 

This map depicts the location of Wollemi National Park in Australia. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: NPR, Washington Post, Guardian, AFP, ABC, CBS
Graphic Source: The Times

             

Yesterday’s Answer

Q: Where is the world’s longest mountain chain found?

A: The World’s Ocean
The mid-ocean range is Earth’s most extensive mountain chain stretching almost 40,390 miles across the globe. While 90% of the chain lies in the deep ocean, some parts are visible on land; pictured above is part of the mid-Atlantic ridge in Iceland.

Source 

Today’s Question

 

Q:  With an estimated 98.33% of the total land area covered in forest, which country holds the title of being the most forested?

Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in Tuesday’s DailyGeo.

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