A reduction in population size due to low fertility rates is most likely to occur in: a. Sub-Saharan Africa b. Northern Europe c. Central Asia d. Eastern Europe

Northern Europe has experienced significant reductions in population size due to low fertility rates, particularly in countries like Germany and Italy, where birth rates have fallen below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. This trend is influenced by various factors, including economic considerations, increased participation of women in the workforce, and changing societal norms around family structure and child-rearing. On the flip side, Eastern Europe also faces similar challenges, with countries like Bulgaria and Latvia seeing stark declines in their populations. This is not only because of low birth rates but also due to emigration, leading to an aging population and concerns about the workforce. Both regions illustrate the broader demographic shifts that can impact economies and social structures over time.