1961 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1961, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth rates and death rates, not accounting for migration—was notably high, averaging around 1.9% per year. This period marked the height of the global population boom, particularly in developing regions. Africa and Asia exhibited the highest RNIs, often exceeding 2.5% in many countries, driven by high fertility rates and declining mortality due to medical advances. Latin America also experienced robust growth, with RNIs typically between 2% and 3%. In contrast, Europe’s RNI was much lower, often below 1%, as many countries had already undergone demographic transition with low birth and death rates; some Eastern European nations even faced stagnating or negative natural increase. North America’s RNI was moderate, around 1.5%, reflecting the tail end of the postwar baby boom. Oceania’s rate varied, with Australia and New Zealand showing lower RNIs similar to Europe, while Pacific island nations had higher rates. Thus, while the global RNI was high in 1961, significant regional and national differences reflected varying stages of demographic transition.

Data from US Census International Database