Population issues discussed are: (1) the growing elderly population in industrialized nations; (2) the debt crunch; and (3) immigration. The focus of the article on the elderly is Japan's elderly population, which will nearly double, from 10 to 18.7%, by 2010. In 1986, the Japanese government took steps to delay the age at which full pensions are received to prevent the bankruptcy of the social security system. Businesses agreed to raise the retirement age. The article on the debt crunch discusses Peru's foreign debt equal to 59% of its gross national product. The newly-elected President, Alan Garcia, stated that no more than 10% of the country's annual foreign exchange earnings will be paid to service the outstanding debt. The immigration article compares the policies of the United States and West Germany. Recently, the U.S. Congress passed legislation to deal with the influx of illegal aliens who migrate to the United States to escape poverty. And, the West German government took steps to stem the tide of immigrants entering the country claiming to seek political asylum but are actually seeking better living conditions. An activity sheet covering the content of the document and recommending additional resources conclude the document. (SM)