1965 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1965, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth rates and death rates, excluding migration—was at a historic high, averaging around 2.0% per year. This rapid population growth was driven primarily by developing regions. Africa and Asia experienced the highest RNIs, often exceeding 2.5% in many countries such as Nigeria, India, and Indonesia, due to high fertility rates and declining mortality from improved healthcare. Latin America also saw elevated RNIs, typically between 2.5% and 3%. In contrast, Europe’s RNI was much lower, averaging below 1%, with some countries like Germany and Hungary even approaching zero or negative growth due to low birth rates and aging populations. North America’s RNI was moderate, around 1.2%, reflecting the tail end of the post-war baby boom. Thus, while Africa and Asia propelled global population growth, Europe and other developed regions contributed far less, highlighting stark contrasts in demographic trends across continents and individual countries during this period.

Data from US Census International Database