Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2005, Vol. 3

The third issue of the Vienna Yearbook of Population Research examines critical issues in demography, especially fertility and ageing. The debate section focuses on the potential impact of population ageing on economic productivity and presents contrasting perspectives. The original articles cover topics as diverse as the narrowing gender gap in life expectancy in Canada and Austria, the relationship between social capital and fertility in Bulgaria, and factors influencing later childbearing in France. Fertility trends in Austria are analysed in detail, including differences by educational attainment and urban-rural areas. Further articles consider the fiscal implications of an ageing population in Austria and whether ageing necessarily leads to an increase in the prevalence of disability. The issue concludes with an overview of recent demographic and fertility trends in Austria.