Introduction

2min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

Every one of the largest 15 countries by GDP lies below that replacement rate. Even Africa's high fertility rates have begun to tumble. The world is on track to post a decline in overall population for the first time since the Black Death. And our pool's new headset looks like something out of an eerie episode of Black Mirror.

Fertility rates are falling to worrying levels, and an older, smaller, global population is bad news for economic growth. Apple’s new headset could revolutionise the virtual reality world, but only if it sells. And, despite being in decline for decades, the tide is turning for Britain’s seaside towns.

For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer