1992 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1992, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth and death rates, not accounting for migration—stood at approximately 1.7% per year, reflecting continued rapid population growth, especially in developing regions. Africa had the highest RNI, with many countries, such as Niger and Uganda, experiencing rates above 3% due to high fertility and declining mortality. Asia, the most populous continent, also saw significant natural increase, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, though rates varied: countries like India and Indonesia had RNIs around 2%, while China’s RNI was lower, near 1.1%, due to family planning policies. Latin America’s RNI was moderately high, averaging about 2%, with Central America and the Andean nations generally higher than the Southern Cone. In contrast, Europe’s RNI was close to zero or even negative in several Eastern European countries, reflecting low birth rates and aging populations; Western Europe also had low or stagnant natural increase. North America’s RNI was modest, with the United States at about 0.7% and Canada even lower. Thus, in 1992, the global pattern was one of high natural increase in less developed regions, particularly Africa and parts of Asia, and low or negative growth in more developed regions, especially Europe.

Data from US Census International Database