Population Trends: Developed vs. Developing Nations

Population Trends in Developed Countries

Population in Developed Countries: Weak Growth

The pace of population growth is very weak, around 0.2%. This weak growth is due to very low birth rates; the average fertility rate is 1.5 children per woman.

Main factors causing this low birth rate:

• The progressive incorporation of women into the labor market and the difficulty of balancing work and childcare.
• The delay in the age of starting a family and having the first child.
• The significant levels of expenditure on child maintenance.
• The change in social norms.

High Life Expectancy and Aging

The average life expectancy exceeds 79 years. Because of this and the low birth rate, developed countries are aging. The most affected countries are Japan and European countries.

Problems and Policies

• Increased government spending on health and the establishment of centers for the elderly.
• Increased spending on pensions.
• Older people tend to save more, which can slow economic growth.
• An aging population may be more conservative and can be an obstacle to the development of new initiatives.

Population in Developing Countries

The Population in Developing Countries: High Growth

The rate of population growth is above 2%. The reason is the high birth rate; in most countries, it exceeds 30%.

Main reasons for high birth rates:

• The majority of the population depends on agriculture, and children's labor in the field is indispensable for families.
• 92 children under the age of 5 die each year per 1000 births, compared to 8 children in developed countries.
• Many cultures value women who have many children.
• Religion has a great weight, and usually, religions reject the use of artificial methods of birth control.
• Many governments do not implement family planning campaigns.

Lower Life Expectancy and Younger Population

Life expectancy is lower than in developed countries. The average life expectancy is less than 40 years. Although the spread of drugs and vaccines has reduced mortality.

Problems and Policies

• Rapid population growth leads to serious problems of hunger.
• Increasing pressure on natural resources.
• Need for more services and housing.
• There are not enough jobs.