A Country with High Fertility Rate Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A Country with High Fertility Rate - Assignment Example In some nations such as Russia, Taiwan, and Germany, fertility rates have declined, while in other nations such as Bangladesh, fertility rates have declined and majority families have between about two and four children. Despite this, fertility rates remain high in some countries, for instance, in Niger, approximately seven children per family/woman remains a norm. The paper will identify some of the countries (with special attention to China, Niger, and India) with high fertility rates and explain the reasons for high fertility rates in those countries. The fertility rate of any population is the total number of children a woman would give birth to in her lifetime. There is an enormous disparity between developing and developed nations in terms of fertility rates, with high rates in developing countries, particularly within the sub-Saharan Africa. Developing nations experience high rates of a natural increase due to their high birth rates. Although they have high mortality rates, there is always a wide gap between the two figures. Developed countries, on the other hand, experience both low birth rate and low death rate, with just a narrow gap between the two. Studies indicate that Niger, China, and India are the leading countries in the world with the highest fertility rates. People in such countries face economic hardship and recurrent disease. Consequently, these increase fertility and mortality rates, hence low life expectancy. In addition, studies across the world have indicated that the desire for large families is still powerful. In Niger, the latest survey suggested that only 5% of women with at least two children indicated their desire for fewer children. Some of the reasons are cultural, with large families perceived as a symbol of security. Also, fear of high infant mortality reigns in their minds. Associated birth control stigmas are another issue.