3.9 Demographic Transition

Define the demographic transition.

• The demographic transition refers to the transition from high to lower birth and death rates in a country or region as development occurs and that country moves from a pre-industrial to an industrialized economic system. This transition is typically demonstrated through a four-stage demographic transition model (DTM).
• Characteristics of developing countries include higher infant mortality rates and more children in the workforce than developed countries.
• Enduring understanding EIN-1: Human populations change in reaction to a variety of factors, including social and cultural factors.