A Population Explosion Could Destabilize These Countries In The Next 30 Years
Forty nations-many of the world’s poorest-may double or even triple their numbers over the coming decades. The best answer? Contraception education.
There’s a stark demographic divide in the world. On one side, countries in Europe, North America, Latin America and East Asia are seeing declining mortality and fertility rates, such that nations like Germany and Japan are struggling to maintain their population numbers (at least without immigration). On the other, countries in Africa and parts of South Asia and the Middle East are seeing slight falls in mortality but ongoing high fertility. According to current projections, 40 countries could double their populations over the next 35 years, while three-Niger, South Sudan, and Zambia-could triple them.
A report from the Population Institute says this massive growth increases their vulnerability to a series of problems. “Rapid population growth for these countries is a challenge multiplier. Their populations are demographically vulnerable and more likely to suffer from hunger, poverty, water scarcity, environmental degradation, and political turmoil,” it says.
The Washington, D.C. group identifies the 20 countries most at risk based on both their demographic projections and their vulnerability across those five areas.
Current World Population
Net Growth During Your Visit