Population change shaping Asia's future

Abstract

Asia comprises around 50 countries and territories, and its population of around 4.3 billion accounts for 60 per cent of the world total. In the 1950s, the Asian population as a whole was still in the early stages of demographic transition: fertility and mortality were both higher than the world average, with a total fertility rate (TFR) of 5.8 children per woman and a life expectancy of 43 years. Since then Asia has witnessed the most rapid demographic change in the world. The TFR has fallen to 2.2 children per woman and life expectancy has reached 70 years. Show more