What characterizes a demographic crisis?

A demographic crisis is characterized by significant challenges such as low birth rates or rapid aging within a population. These factors can lead to a range of social and economic issues, including a shrinking workforce, increased dependency ratios, and potential strain on healthcare and pension systems. When a country experiences low birth rates, it means fewer young people are entering the population, which can create a gap in labor supply and ultimately stifle economic growth. Additionally, rapid aging refers to a higher proportion of elderly individuals in the population, increasing the burden on health services and social support systems.

The other options describe scenarios that do not accurately reflect the nature of a demographic crisis. An increase in birth rates while simultaneously aging does not align with the typical challenges seen in a demographic crisis, as the two trends are often contradictive. A balanced growth in population and economy represents stability rather than a crisis, indicating that the population is managing growth effectively. Lastly, high migration rates without any social issues do not contribute to a demographic crisis; instead, they may indicate population dynamics that help mitigate issues like low birth rates.