Demographics
Demographic Transition
Definition
The shift from high birth rates and death rates (pre-industrial) to low birth rates and death rates (post-industrial), with rapid population growth during the transition.
Explanation
Every country undergoes this transition as it develops. Europe completed it over 150 years; East Asia did it in 50. Sub-Saharan Africa is in the middle. The transition creates a "demographic dividend" (falling dependency ratio) followed by aging challenges. Understanding where a country is in the transition is crucial for economic forecasting.