NationStates Jolt Archive

During 2005-2050, eight countries are expected to account for half of the world’s projected population increase: India, Pakistan, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bangladesh, Uganda, the United States of America, Ethiopia and China, listed according to the size of their contribution to population growth.

Source:
http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/WPP2004/2004_Revision_press_release_Final.pdf

Hmm...Makes some sense...

An interesting theory on population growth I must say.

Fantastic! Did you know that 87.5% of those countries has staggering poverty rates?

Fantastic! Did you know that 87.5% of those countries has staggering poverty rates?
Wow! Do you think there's a connection? Do you think that poverty, lack of education, and lack of access to birth control alternatives contribute in something to a high birth rate?

Or maybe since they're poor that must mean they're terrible evil and irresponsible and are trying to take over the world by birthing more people than good, rich countries?

Wow! Do you think there's a connection? Do you think that poverty, lack of education, and lack of access to birth control alternatives contribute in something to a high birth rate?

Or maybe since they're poor that must mean they're terrible evil and irresponsible and are trying to take over the world by birthing more people than good, rich countries?

What is the source of your sarcasm? Surely you aren't trying to put words in my mouth...

What is the source of your sarcasm? Surely you aren't trying to put words in my mouth...
The sarcasm comes from how you announce that the countries responsible for most of the global population growth are also the poorest. It's not a big surprise, you know? In fact, it's to be expected.

It's like saying "And did you know that if you mix cold and hot water you get warm water?"

The sarcasm comes from how you announce that the countries responsible for most of the global population growth are also the poorest. It's not a big surprise, you know? In fact, it's to be expected.

It's like saying "And did you know that if you mix cold and hot water you get warm water?"

I meant the latter part...I never implied that they were evil...you seemed to have arrived at that conclusion yourself.

Wow! Do you think there's a connection? Do you think that poverty, lack of education, and lack of access to birth control alternatives contribute in something to a high birth rate?

I buy your poverty and lack of education but none of those countries (well maybe nigeria) have a lack of access to birth control

though I agree proverty has nothing to do with it, cultural factors are much more significant

If it is culture, then what have Uganda, China and the US in common?


I'd say it is rather education. With education comes relief of poverty and probably other activities than making children.

Heh, I always said the US Education system was terrible, even when I was still in it. 10 years out of college and I still think it was terrible.

When I started I thought it was terrible...and now I still think it's terrible. It's the kids...so...lazy...apathetic...

If it is culture, then what have Uganda, China and the US in common?


well, you can excuse china and the US cause they're just huge to begin with so its only natural they'll be a big part of world growth even with low growth rates

uganda you can chalk up to agarian society and good old Christianity

Yep...China's big enough to blink at 30 million deaths, and cover it up with propaganda without people getting suspicious.

Ah, the wonders of corrupt propaganda!

I meant the latter part...I never implied that they were evil...you seemed to have arrived at that conclusion yourself.
Oh, no. That was part of the sarcasm too, and a bit of preemptive measure.

I buy your poverty and lack of education but none of those countries (well maybe nigeria) have a lack of access to birth control

though I agree proverty has nothing to do with it, cultural factors are much more significant
Yes, they exist, you could go to a pharmacy in Nigeria and buy some condoms. But, what if you don't have money to buy them? What if you've been told that you'll go to hell if you do? What if you heard that a friend of a friend's penis fell out because he used a condom and you don't know any better? See what I'm getting at?

Sure, the root of some of this attitudes can be followed down to culture, but a good education system could manage cultural change. See what happened in Mexico from the 50's to the 80's. From having an average of 4-5 children per woman they are now down to around 2.5 and getting lower (if my memory serves). All thanks to a very intense education and information campaign.

Yeah, seems simple enough....
Big population = Big Birthrate = Higher percentage of babies
Looks good to me. The reason for the large population Has nothing to do with poverty, it is because most of those regions have been colonized and/or lived in for thousands of years. And Americans just like sex. ;)