1975 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1975, the global rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between crude birth and death rates, excluding migration—stood at approximately 1.9% per year, reflecting the rapid population growth characteristic of the mid-20th century. This rate, however, varied significantly across continents and regions. Africa and Asia experienced the highest RNIs, with many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia recording rates above 2.5%, driven by high birth rates and declining mortality due to improvements in healthcare. Latin America also saw elevated RNIs, often between 2% and 3%. In contrast, Europe had the lowest RNI, with many Western and Eastern European countries registering rates below 1%, and some even approaching zero or negative growth, due to low birth rates and aging populations. North America’s RNI was moderate, typically around 1%, reflecting a demographic transition toward lower fertility. Countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia had high RNIs, fueling rapid population growth, while nations such as Germany, Sweden, and Japan had much lower rates, highlighting stark contrasts in demographic trends across the world in 1975.

Data from US Census International Database