Why in the wealthiest countries, like Japan, population is declining, while in the poor countries, like Bangladesh, population is exploding?
Besides what other commenters said: Historically, very poor countries had a very high infant mortality rate, much more women dying during childbirth, and also a general lower life expectancy. So they started having children early in their lives and had many – it ends up part of the culture. With …
The Short Answer
Besides what other commenters said: Historically, very poor countries had a very high infant mortality rate, much more women dying during childbirth, and also a general lower life expectancy. So they started having children early in their lives and had many – it ends up part of the culture. With the (even modest) advance of medicine, healthcare, and people migrating to cities, you have a quick drop in infant mortality, an increase in general fertility, and longer fertile life. These factors, with the same "high yield" boosts the population growth. Whenever I see ads for humanitarian aid to miserable countries, most focusing in helping with healthcare and child care, I wonder if they also put enough parallel effort in birth control, because simply making sure a population grows way beyond the people's and country's capabilities to maintain it just perpetuates extreme poverty.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Countries, high, infant
This explanation focuses on countries, high, infant and spans 142 words across 5 sentences. At 97% above the average Society explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Besides what other commenters said: Historically, very poor countries had a very high infant mortality rate, much more w” It then elaborates by explaining the root cause, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 5 connected points.
How This Compares in Society
Ranked #48 of 500 Society questions by answer depth (top 10%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why why in the wealthiest countries, like japan, population is declining, while in the poor countries, like bangladesh, population is exploding?
Besides what other commenters said: Historically, very poor countries had a very high infant mortality rate, much more women dying during childbirth, and also a general lower life expectancy. So they started having children early in their lives and…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Society questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 142 words, ranked #48 of 500 Society questions by depth. The key concepts covered are countries, high, infant.
What approach does this answer take to explain why in the wealthiest countries, like japan, population is d?
The explanation uses root cause analysis across 142 words. It is categorized under Society and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.