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
