Explain the concept of replacement-level fertility.

Demographic Transition Model Questions



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Explain the concept of replacement-level fertility.

Replacement-level fertility refers to the level of fertility at which each couple in a population has, on average, only enough children to replace themselves. In other words, it is the fertility rate required to maintain a stable population size over time, without any external factors such as migration. This level is typically around 2.1 children per woman in countries with low mortality rates. If the fertility rate falls below this level, the population will gradually decline, leading to an aging population and potential economic and social challenges. On the other hand, if the fertility rate exceeds the replacement level, the population will grow, which can also have implications for resource allocation, infrastructure, and social services.