This study presents some critical opinions regarding the definition of the demographic policy, pointing out the differencies between the two concept – population policies and demographic policy -, the history and the evolution of the demographic policy during the last half of the 20th century,...

With about five children born per woman and a population growth rate of 2.5 per cent per year, sub-Saharan Africa has been the world's fastest growing region over the last decade. Economists have often argued that high fertility rates are mainly driven by women's demand for children (and not by...

This article discusses the concept of overpopulation and its practical relevance. Definitions of overpopulation are considered, including approaches centred on sustainability and on average or total welfare. Overpopulation has been linked to the wish for national population policies, which raise...

Recent stagnation in the reduction of infant mortality in India can arguably be attributed to early child bearing practices and the lack of progress in lengthening birth intervals. Meanwhile, family planning efforts have been particularly successful in the southern states such as Andhra Pradesh,...

With about five children born per woman and a population growth rate of 2.5 per cent per year, sub-Saharan Africa has been the world's fastest growing region over the last decade. Economists have often argued that high fertility rates are mainly driven by women's demand for children (and not by...

This Handbook offers an array of internationally recognized experts' essays that provide a current and comprehensive examination of all dimensions of international population policies. The book examines the theoretical foundations, the historical and empirical evidence for policy formation, the...