The Demographic Transition

As a country grows through industrialization, its population moves through four stages known as the Demographic Transition. Stage 1 is characterized by both high birthrates and death rates, leading to a very slow rate of natural increase. In stage 2 death rates fall and birth rates remain high which produces a rapid rise in RNI. In stage 3 people become aware of the advantages of having smaller families in an urban and industrial setting. Finally, in stage 4, a combination of low death rates and low birthrates results in a very low RNI.