1956 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1956, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth rate and death rate, excluding migration—was at a historical high, averaging about 1.8% per year globally. This surge was driven by declining mortality rates, especially in developing regions, while birth rates remained high. Africa and Asia experienced the highest RNIs, often exceeding 2.5% annually in countries such as Nigeria, India, and Indonesia, due to high fertility and improving healthcare. Latin America also saw elevated RNIs, typically between 2% and 3%. In contrast, Europe’s RNI was much lower, often below 1%, as birth rates had already declined significantly, and post-war recovery was stabilizing populations. North America’s RNI was moderate, buoyed by the post-war baby boom, but still lower than most of Asia and Africa. Thus, while the global RNI was robust, there were stark contrasts: developing regions experienced rapid natural population growth, while more developed countries saw much slower increases, setting the stage for future demographic shifts.

Data from US Census International Database