1990 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1990, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth rates and death rates, excluding migration—stood at approximately 1.7% per year, reflecting a robust global population growth. This rate, however, varied significantly across continents and regions. Africa had the highest RNI, often exceeding 2.5% in many countries, driven by high birth rates and relatively declining death rates. Asia, particularly South and Southeast Asia, also experienced high RNIs, frequently above 2%, as countries like India, Pakistan, and Indonesia contributed substantially to global growth. Latin America’s RNI was similarly elevated, averaging around 2%, with countries such as Mexico and Brazil leading the trend. In contrast, Europe’s RNI was the lowest, with many Western and Eastern European countries experiencing RNIs below 0.5% or even negative growth in some cases, due to low birth rates and aging populations. North America and Oceania had moderate RNIs, generally between 0.7% and 1.2%. These differences highlight how demographic transitions, economic development, and public health advancements shaped population growth rates unevenly across the globe in 1990.

Data from US Census International Database