Population trends and prospects

For the next 20 years there is likely to be a slowing of population growth rates for all areas of the world except Africa. The present population of developed countries is expected to increase by about 12 percent by the year 2000; that of all developing countries is expected to increase by about 50 percent. The momentum of population growth is strong; a few analysts suggest that growth may cease at 8 billion, but a figure of more than 10 billion seems much more likely.