The birth rate in the world's most populous country, China, has fallen for a fifth consecutive year to hit a record low. The population is ageing and the workforce is shrinking. Despite ending the decades-long one-child policy, the baby boom officials had hoped for never materialised. These rapidly changing demographics foreshadow a crisis that could undercut the country's economic and social stability.
Meanwhile, Japan recently held its traditional "Coming of Age" ceremony for people who have turned 20, the age of maturity in the country. Among Japan's 1.2 million new adults is Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito. As an adult member of the Imperial Family, she now takes on various public duties. However, the future of the world's oldest monarchy remains uncertain, as FRANCE 24's Yuka Royer explains.
Finally, the World Wildlife Fund says the richest coral reef on earth lies in Indonesia's waters. It's part of the Raja Ampat archipelago. Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, this piece of tropical heaven has been described as a "species factory".
