zero population growth

Zero population growth (ZPG) is a concept where the number of people in a population remains stable, with births and immigration balancing deaths and emigration. This state is achieved when the total fertility rate (TFR) is at or near the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman.12

Globally, fertility rates have been declining, falling from 5 in 1950 to an estimated 2.25 in 2024, and are projected to reach 2.1 soon. This decline is influenced by factors such as increased access to contraception and education for women, higher living costs, and family planning policies.3

While a smaller population could ease pressure on resources, declining birth rates also raise concerns about potential labor shortages, aging populations, and economic challenges. Historically, population size was often viewed as a measure of national wealth, with policies encouraging fertility. However, rapid population growth has also been linked to economic strain and widening income gaps between developed and developing countries.3456