1989 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1989, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between the crude birth rate and crude death rate, excluding migration—stood at approximately 1.7% per year, reflecting continued rapid global population growth. Africa had the highest RNI, with many countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, experiencing rates above 2.5% due to high birth rates and declining mortality. Asia’s RNI was also above the global average, driven by populous countries like India, Pakistan, and Indonesia, although China’s RNI was lower due to the effects of its one-child policy. Latin America’s RNI was high, typically around 2%, with countries like Mexico and Brazil contributing to the region’s growth. In contrast, Europe’s RNI was close to zero or even negative in some Eastern European countries, as low birth rates and aging populations offset modest mortality declines. North America and Oceania had moderate rates, with the U.S. and Canada experiencing lower RNIs than developing regions but higher than Europe. This contrast highlighted the demographic divide between developed countries with slow or stagnant natural increase and developing regions with rapidly growing populations.

Data from US Census International Database