1981 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1981, the global rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth rates and death rates, excluding migration—stood at approximately 1.8% per year, reflecting robust population growth worldwide. This rate, however, varied significantly across continents and regions. Africa exhibited the highest RNI, with many countries such as Nigeria and Kenya experiencing rates above 2.5% due to high fertility and declining mortality. Asia, particularly South and Southeast Asia, also saw elevated RNIs, with countries like India, Pakistan, and Indonesia recording rates between 2.0% and 2.5%. Latin America’s RNI hovered around 2.0%, with nations such as Brazil and Mexico contributing to this trend. In contrast, Europe had a notably low RNI, often below 0.5%, as countries like Germany and Italy faced low birth rates and aging populations. North America’s RNI was moderate, with the United States and Canada experiencing rates around 0.7% to 1.0%. These contrasts highlight the demographic divide between the rapidly growing populations of the developing world and the slower-growing or even stagnating populations of developed nations in 1981.

Data from US Census International Database