1957 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1957, the world experienced a significant rate of natural increase (RNI) in population, averaging around 1.8% per year. This period marked the height of the post-World War II baby boom, especially in developed regions such as North America and Europe, where RNIs ranged between 1.2% and 1.5%. However, the most rapid increases were seen in less developed regions. Asia, particularly South and Southeast Asia, saw RNIs exceeding 2%, fueled by high birth rates and declining mortality due to improvements in medicine and sanitation. Africa recorded the highest RNIs, often above 2.5%, as birth rates remained extremely high and death rates began to fall. In contrast, some European countries, especially in Eastern Europe, had lower RNIs, sometimes below 1%, due to earlier demographic transitions and lower birth rates. Latin America also experienced high RNIs, generally between 2% and 3%. Thus, while the global RNI was high, there were stark contrasts: developed countries had moderate increases, whereas developing regions, particularly Africa and parts of Asia and Latin America, saw explosive population growth.

Data from US Census International Database