Population and Development · Implications for the World Bank

The population of the developing world will grow this decade by more than 80 million a year - more than ever before. Although growth rates are dropping, this surge will not abate for the next two or three decades, and will make it difficult for poor countries to provide social services, create jobs, and achieve sustainable economic growth. The study explains why slowing population growth is still a high priority for the poorest countries, how population policy can be integrated with social policies, how population programs can provide the poor with appropriate services, why country-specific strategies are needed, and what other demographic issues are becoming more significant.