1987 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1987, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth rates and death rates, excluding migration—was approximately 1.7% per year, reflecting a period of rapid global population growth. This rate, however, varied significantly across continents and regions. Africa had the highest RNI, often exceeding 2.5% in many countries due to high birth rates and declining mortality, while Asia’s RNI was also above the global average, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. Latin America experienced a moderately high RNI, generally between 2% and 2.5%. In contrast, Europe’s RNI was very low, close to zero or even negative in some Eastern European countries, as birth rates had fallen and populations were aging. North America’s RNI was modest, typically below 1%, reflecting lower birth rates and higher life expectancy. Countries such as Nigeria and Pakistan exhibited RNIs above 3%, while nations like Germany, Italy, and Hungary had RNIs near zero or negative, highlighting stark contrasts in demographic trends across the globe in 1987.

Data from US Census International Database