1999 Rate of Natural Increase

In 1999, the world’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth rates and death rates, excluding migration—stood at approximately 1.4% per year, translating to a global population growth of about 84 million people annually. This rate, however, varied dramatically across continents and regions. Africa had the highest RNI, with many countries, such as Niger and Uganda, experiencing rates above 2.5% due to high birth rates and relatively young populations. Asia, home to over half the world’s population, had a moderate RNI, with countries like India and Pakistan showing higher rates (around 1.8–2.1%), while China’s RNI was lower (about 0.9%) due to its one-child policy. Latin America and the Caribbean also exhibited relatively high RNIs, often above 1.5%. In contrast, Europe’s RNI was near zero or even negative in some countries, such as Russia and Ukraine, reflecting low birth rates and aging populations. North America had a modest RNI, with the United States at about 0.6%, higher than Canada and most Western European nations but lower than global averages. Thus, in 1999, the world’s population growth was driven primarily by developing regions, while many developed countries experienced stagnation or decline.

Data from US Census International Database