1959 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1959, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth and death rates, excluding migration—was at its historical peak, estimated at around 1.8% per year. This rapid growth was driven by high birth rates and declining death rates, especially in developing regions. Africa and Asia exhibited the highest RNIs, often exceeding 2.5% in many countries such as Nigeria, India, and Indonesia, fueled by youthful populations and limited access to family planning. In contrast, Europe’s RNI was much lower, often below 1%, due to declining fertility and the aftermath of World War II. Latin America also experienced high RNIs, typically between 2% and 3%, as countries like Mexico and Brazil underwent demographic transition. Meanwhile, North America and Oceania had moderate RNIs, with the United States and Australia experiencing postwar baby booms but also benefiting from better healthcare and lower mortality. This sharp contrast in RNI between continents and countries set the stage for dramatic shifts in global population distribution in the decades that followed.

Data from US Census International Database