The future of population in Asia

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, many Asian countries have experienced a remarkable pace of economic development and social change. Economic transformation plus dramatic breakthroughs in health and family planning technology have been the fundamental forces driving a demographic transition—from high to low mortality and fertility—in nearly every country of the region. This demographic transition, in turn, has provided favorable conditions for social and economic development. The Future of Population in Asia describes recent population trends in Asia and explores the likely course of Asian population dynamics in the future. This 150-page volume brings together research on population and health conducted in recent years by staff members at the East-West Center and their colleagues in Asia and the United States. It includes many illustrations and charts plus a useful reference list and comprehensive appendix tables. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the report is intended for an audience of policymakers, government leaders, the donor community, population and international development organizations, business leaders, and others with an interest in Asia and in global population issues. The objective is to increase awareness of population trends in Asia and how critical these are to the economic and social well being of the global community.