Abstract

Demographic Trends and Current Living Condition of an underpopulated area
Track: Census and Statistical
Authors: Toshio Yamazaki

Minamiosumi-cho, located in the southernmost of Mainland Japan, is outstanding in its high aging rate of population. More than fifty percent of its villages are called "Genkai-Shuraku (Critical Village)"that means more than half of the residents are over 65-year-old. This paper analyzes the current and future demographics of the town as well as a survey by questionnaire. The findings of the analysis are summarized as follows:
1. The less the size of population is, the higher the aging rate of population.
2. The villages are divided into four classes as a result of cluster analysis using the demographics of the town.
3.The population will decrease at a faster rate and approximately a third of the villages will be expected to disappear by 2030.
4.Villeges that are typified by significantly high average age and high ratio of elderly are faced with especially many difficult problems in current living condition.