Figure 6.7 Worldwide total fertility ratesDeclines in fertility rates can be attributed to several factors:
■ Urbanization results in a higher cost of living and reduces the need for
extra children to work on farms.
■ There is a greater personal acceptance and government encouragement of
contraception.
■ The number of females in the workforce has increased.
■ Female educational opportunities are increasing.
■ More individuals desire to increase their standard of living by having less
children.
■ Many “millennials” are postponing marriage until their careers are
established.
■ As developing countries transition to developed countries, there is greater
access to primary health care and family planning services.BIRTH AND DEATH RATE CALCULATIONS
The birth rate, or crude birth rate, is equal to the number of live births per 1,000
members of the population in one year. The death rate, or crude death rate, is
equal to the number of deaths per 1,000 members of the population in one year.