Consider the following countries: 1. Italy 2. Japan 3. Nigeria 4. South Korea 5. South Africa. Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?

1. Italy — Italy is widely discussed for very low fertility, ageing population and population decline. Correct.

2. Japan — Japan is a classic case of ageing society, low birth rate and shrinking population. Correct.

3. Nigeria — Nigeria is known for high fertility and rapid population growth, not low birth rates or ageing. Incorrect.

4. South Korea — South Korea is frequently in the news for having one of the world’s lowest fertility rates and future population decline. Correct.

5. South Africa — South Africa is not commonly cited for low birth rates or ageing in the way Italy, Japan, or South Korea are. Incorrect.

Hence, the countries are 1, 2 and 4.