This article reminded me of the one on France written last month.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/17/AR2006101701652.html
"While falling birthrates threaten to undermine economies and social stability across much of an aging Europe, French fertility rates are increasing. France now has the second-highest fertility rate in Europe -- 1.94 children born per woman, exceeded slightly by Ireland's rate of 1.99. The U.S. fertility rate is 2.01 children."
It described the policies France is deliberately pursuing to prevent a shrinking native population. I believe the author of the article about Japan is correct. The Japanese aren't convinced that a shrinking population is a problem. If they were, they would try to fix it as France it.
I wonder how much of France's increase is birthrate is among its immigrant Muslim population.
But, how much of France's fertility is due to higher fertility among its large Muslim population?
'While falling birthrates threaten to undermine economies and social stability across much of an aging Europe, French fertility rates are increasing. France now has the second-highest fertility rate in Europe -- 1.94 children born per woman, exceeded slightly by Ireland's rate of 1.99. The U.S. fertility rate is 2.01 children.'
How do these numbers from France match up with Mark Steyn's numbers? I was thinking he had France under 1.5.