1973 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1973, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth rates and death rates, excluding migration—was at its historical peak, averaging around 2.0% per year globally. This rapid growth was driven primarily by high birth rates and declining death rates in developing regions. Africa and Asia exhibited the highest RNIs, often exceeding 2.5% in many countries, with sub-Saharan Africa leading due to persistently high fertility rates and improving healthcare. Latin America also saw high RNIs, typically between 2.0% and 2.5%. In contrast, Europe’s RNI was much lower, often below 0.5%, reflecting both lower birth rates and aging populations, while North America’s RNI hovered around 1%. Countries like India, Indonesia, and Nigeria experienced explosive population growth, while nations such as West Germany, Sweden, and Japan saw much slower natural increases. This stark contrast highlighted the demographic divide between the rapidly growing Global South and the more stable or even declining populations of the Global North.

Data from US Census International Database