There are statistics which suggest that in some of the most underdeveloped countries almost one half of the population is now in the 10-19 age range. These countries have experienced a much smaller decrease in birth rates than has been seen in more developed countries. Charities and other agencies are calling for additional funds to be made available to provide improved education for these young people as well as easier access to contraception. There has also been a rapid increase in the number of people aged 65 or older. In the next 50 years, 95% of this increase will happen in developing countries like India, while in countries like Japan, Germany and Italy the percentage of the population aged 65 or more is set to rise to 40%. Increases in the numbers of the very young and the very old place stress on societies and governments may find it difficult to cope with the demands of an increasing number of dependent elderly citizens in addition to providing healthcare and education for the citizens

The population of the world is increasing by around 83 million per year. This figure actually represents a decline by almost 50% in the growth rate from its peak of 2.2% in 1963 and further reductions are expected over the coming decades. The 20th century saw the biggest global increase of all time in the population and if the current levels of growth continue the world population will be around 9 billion by the year 2042. The increases are due to increased life expectancy and reduced mortality rates resulting from improvements in healthcare and agricultural productivity. Growth rates vary by region. There are estimates that over 90% of population growth in the future will be in developing countries. Central and Eastern Europe are experiencing a net decrease of population with Japan and some Western European countries expected to follow suit within the next 10 years