1997 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1997, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth rates and death rates, excluding migration—stood at approximately 1.5% per year, translating to a global population growth of about 87 million people annually. This rate, however, varied greatly across continents and regions. Africa had the highest RNI, with many countries such as Niger and Uganda experiencing rates above 2.5%, driven by high fertility and relatively young populations. Asia, home to over half the world’s population, also saw significant growth, particularly in South and Southeast Asia where countries like India, Pakistan, and Indonesia had RNIs between 1.5% and 2%. Latin America’s RNI hovered around 1.7%, with nations like Guatemala and Honduras showing higher rates compared to more developed countries in the region. In stark contrast, Europe’s RNI was close to zero or even negative in some countries (such as Russia and Bulgaria), reflecting low birth rates and aging populations. North America’s RNI was modest, with the United States and Canada experiencing rates below 1%. These disparities highlighted the demographic divide: less developed regions faced rapid population growth, while many developed countries grappled with stagnation or decline.

Data from US Census International Database