Demography and the development potential of sub-Saharan Africa

• Population growth in Africa has laid the foundation for the eventual development of a prosperous region. Since the 1950s, sub-Saharan Africa has doubled its population twice over to become one of the most populous regions in the world. If sub-Saharan Africa succeeds in taking advantage of this population potential, the sub-continent could become a major player in the world economy. A major reason sub-Saharan Africa remains poor is the very high child-dependency arising from a very high total fertility rate, and low life expectancy based on both high infant mortality and high adult mortality rates. Reduced mortality and lower fertility are key requirements if sub-Saharan Africa is to enter a development trajectory that makes possible increasing per capita incomes and reductions in poverty.

Nyckelord

Demography

Demographic transition

Demographic change

Population growth

Development potential

Economic and social development

Demographic analysis

Demographic statistics

Africa south of Sahara

SOCIAL SCIENCES

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP

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