1988 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1988, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between crude birth rates and crude death rates, not accounting for migration—stood at approximately 1.7% per year, translating to a global population growth of around 90 million people annually. The highest RNIs were observed in Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan countries such as Niger, Uganda, and Nigeria, where RNIs often exceeded 3% due to high birth rates and declining death rates. Asia, home to over half the world’s population, had a moderately high RNI, with countries like India, Pakistan, and Indonesia experiencing growth rates between 2% and 2.5%. Latin America also saw elevated RNIs, with many Central American nations registering rates above 2%. In contrast, Europe’s RNI was close to zero or even negative in some Eastern European countries, reflecting low birth rates and aging populations. North America and Oceania had modest RNIs, generally between 0.5% and 1%. This stark contrast highlights the demographic divide of the era: developing regions experienced rapid natural increase, fueling youthful populations, while developed countries faced stagnation or slow growth, foreshadowing future demographic challenges.

Data from US Census International Database