Demography

Demography is the study of human populations. It encompasses the study of the size, structure and distribution of populations, and how populations change through time due to births, deaths, migration and ageing.

Among the earliest contributions to demographics were the works of Thomas Malthus. Malthus observed that, if unchecked, populations would grow exponentially. He feared that population growth would tend to outstrip growth in food production, leading to ever increasing famine and poverty.

Contrary to Malthus' predictions, population growth in most developed countries has diminished to close to zero, without being held in check by famine or lack of resources, as people in developed nations have shown a tendency to have fewer children. The fall in population growth has occurred despite large rises in life expectancy in these countries.

This pattern of population growth, with slow growth in preindustrial societies, followed by fast growth as the society develops and industrialises, followed by slow growth again as it becomes more affluent, is known as the demographic transition.