Issue February 25, 2008
Dear Reader, Economists have labeled France “the sick man of Europe”. French women, at least, seem unaffected. They not only boast of the highest life expectancy on the continent, but are also the most fertile in the European Union. Our top story looks into French demographics and why it's so important for the rest of Europe. We also spoke with Olivier Schaal at Allianz-AGF in Paris about aging and pension reform, and interviewed an NGO expert and a scholar about migration and fertility trends. Also this month, an introduction to Islamic insurance, and how it could help alleviate the impact of natural disasters throughout Southeast Asia. Enjoy reading our newsletter and don’t miss next month’s issue on World Water Day. Your Allianz Knowledge Team	Most Recent Media Picture Gallery Demographics: Liberté, Égalité, Fertilité> more Partner of the Month Lisbon Council: “Making Europe the Most Competitive, Knowledge-based Economy”> more Allianz Expert Manuel Bauer, Head of Global Life: "People are living longer, but only a few are prepared" > more
Top Story Demographic Profile France: Liberté, Égalité, Fertilité Like the rest of Europe, France should be wondering about low birth rates. Surprisingly, French women are delivering babies at a rate unseen in over 30 years. Still the country is aging. Find out about the changing French demographics and what others can learn from it. > more News Spring Forward!Spring has returned to Britain earlier than usual according to data gathered by the British "Nature's Calendar Project." Blooming flowers, nesting birds, butterflies, and ladybugs that are normally due in March have appeared all over the UK long before the official end of winter on March 20. News to Use Demographic change: Plan your Financial LifeStart thinking early about life after work, and make realistic financial provisions for your retirement. When doing so, you should consider whether your pension fund shares your values. Unless it is funded by socially responsible investments, chances are that you are supporting companies with poor social and environmental records.> more Editor's Choice Islamic Insurance: Not a Question of FaithInsurance in conformity with Islamic law has existed for about 1400 years. Now it is making a comeback and could help Southeast Asia deal with natural disasters and climate change. > more Calendar 4. March | Asia Pacific Region Microcredit Summit The subprime crisis has triggered a worldwide credit crunch. How does it affect microfinance institutions and poor borrowers? Find out more about this and other microfinance questions at the Asia/Pacific Region Microcredit Summit 2008 in Islamabad. > more 22. March | World Water DaySince 1992, the UN General Assembly designates March 22 as World Water Day to draw attention to the lack of clean and safe drinking water worldwide. This year’s big topic will be sanitation. The Allianz Knowledge Site will publish a Topic Special highlighting the challenges at hand.> more
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