In 1950, the term "population explosion" was unheard of, yet
the demographic forces that would trigger runaway population
growth were settling into place. Death rates in the developed
world had already plummeted, and those in the developing world
were falling as well, while birthrates remained high. Today,
demographic data continue to foretell dramatic changes ahead,
though different countries have starkly different future
prospects.
Even assuming that fertility rates will continue to fall in
the developing world—a very big assumption that counts
on the availability of effective family-planning
services—the vast number of young people in developing
countries will continue to fuel population growth. In
contrast, many prosperous countries with relatively "old"
populations appear destined for population decline.
In this matching game, learn more about demographic markers
that both reflect a country's culture and population as well
as shape its future course. To play the
game, click on the
image at left.—Susan K. Lewis
