2018 Rate of Natural Increase

In 2018, the global rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth rates and death rates, excluding migration—stood at approximately 1.1% per year, reflecting ongoing but slowing population growth worldwide. Africa had the highest RNI of all continents, with many countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, experiencing rates above 2.5% per year due to high fertility and relatively young populations; for example, Niger and Angola had RNIs exceeding 3%. In contrast, Europe exhibited the lowest RNI, with many countries such as Germany, Italy, and Russia experiencing near-zero or even negative rates, driven by low birth rates and aging populations. Asia’s RNI was moderate, with South and Southeast Asian countries like India and the Philippines showing higher rates (around 1.2–1.5%), while East Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea had very low or negative RNIs. The Americas showed varied patterns: Latin America had moderate RNIs (around 1–1.5%), while North America’s RNI was low, with the United States and Canada both below 0.5%. These contrasts highlight the demographic transition, with most developed countries experiencing stagnation or decline, while many developing nations continue to see robust natural population growth.

Data from US Census International Database