Countries with a high proportion of young people (under 14) tend to have higher population growth rates. Demographers call this demographic momentum — when a large youth cohort reaches childbearing age, population growth tends to continue even if fertility rates decline, though the extent depends on how much fertility falls. This is one reason many projections show continued growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, though actual outcomes depend on future fertility trends, mortality, and migration.
Population Under 14 (%) vs Growth Rate (%/year)
Correlation (r)
0.522
Moderate positive
Countries
173
with both indicators
Avg Population Under 14
27%
global average
Avg Growth Rate
1.5%
global average
Key Insight
Countries where 40%+ of the population is under 14 tend to grow at 2-3% annually, while aging nations with less than 15% youth are often shrinking. A young age structure creates momentum toward continued growth, but the pace depends on future fertility and mortality trends.
Regional Averages
| Region | Countries | Avg Population Under 14 | Avg Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | 53 | 38% | 2.2% |
| Asia | 42 | 26% | 1.7% |
| Americas | 36 | 22% | 0.9% |
| Europe | 29 | 15% | 0.8% |
| Oceania | 13 | 29% | 1.2% |