Demographics
Even though not a traditional field of socio-economic research, demographics and population growth are important processes for economic development. The dynamics of population growth have significantly changed over the last decades with increasing number of countries experiencing fertility rates that are below the reproduction rate necessary to keep population at a stable level. This section will analyze the consequences of slower population growth trends and resultant demographic challenges for the world and individual countries.
Demographic Transition and Economic Growth
Strong economic growth becomes less likely with slower growing populations
In the 20th century, global population was growing at an unprecedented speed of more than 2 percent annually and triggered warnings that the world is facing over-population. Today, however, the discourse surrounding population growth has significantly changed and public debate is dominated by how to deal with a continuous slowdown of population growth. This debate has also affected the debate about the impact of population growth on economic growth. How much is an economy dependent on a strong working age population that can simply add to the economic output through growing?
