1960 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1960, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth and death rates, not accounting for migration—was at a historical high, averaging around 2% per year globally. This rapid growth was driven by high birth rates and declining death rates, particularly in developing regions. Africa and Asia exhibited the highest RNIs, often exceeding 2.5% in many countries, reflecting youthful populations and improvements in health care that reduced mortality. Latin America also experienced high RNIs, typically between 2% and 3%. In contrast, Europe and North America had much lower rates, generally below 1%, as both continents had undergone demographic transitions to lower birth and death rates. For example, India and Nigeria had RNIs above 2%, while countries like Germany and the United Kingdom had rates closer to 0.5%. This contrast highlighted the demographic divide between the rapidly growing populations of the Global South and the more stable or slowly growing populations of the Global North in 1960.

Data from US Census International Database