This statistic shows the 20 countries with the highest population growth rate in 2024. In SouthSudan, the population grew by about 4.65 percent compared to the previous year, making it the country with the highest population growth rate in 2024. The global population Today, the global population amounts to around 7 billion people, i.e. the total number of living humans on Earth. More than half of the global population is living in Asia, while one quarter of the global population resides in Africa. High fertility rates in Africa and Asia, a decline in the mortality rates and an increase in the median age of the world population all contribute to the global population growth. Statistics show that the global population is subject to increase by almost 4 billion people by 2100. The global population growth is a direct result of people living longer because of better living conditions and a healthier nutrition. Three out of five of the most populous countries in the world are located in Asia. Ultimately the highest population growth rate is also found there, the country with the highest population growth rate is Syria. This could be due to a low infant mortality rate in Syria or the ever -expanding tourism sector.

Until the 1800s, population growth was incredibly slow on a global level. The global population was estimated to have been around 188 million people in the year 1CE, and did not reach one billion until around 1803. However, since the 1800s, a phenomenon known as the demographic transition has seen population growth skyrocket, reaching eight billion people in 2023, and this is expected to peak at over 10 billion in the 2080s.

The world's population first reached one billion people in 1805, and reached eight billion in 2022, and will peak at almost 10.2 billion by the end of the century. Although it took thousands of years to reach one billion people, it did so at the beginning of a phenomenon known as the demographic transition; from this point onwards, population growth has skyrocketed, and since the 1960s the population has increased by one billion people every 12 to 15 years. The demographic transition sees a sharp drop in mortality due to factors such as vaccination, sanitation, and improved food supply; the population boom that follows is due to increased survival rates among children and higher life expectancy among the general population; and fertility then drops in response to this population growth. Regional differences The demographic transition is a global phenomenon, but it has taken place at different times across the world. The industrialized countries of Europe and North America were the first to go through this process, followed by some states in the Western Pacific. Latin America's population then began growing at the turn of the 20th century, but the most significant period of global population growth occurred as Asia progressed in the late-1900s. As of the early 21st century, almost two-thirds of the world's population lives in Asia, although this is set to change significantly in the coming decades. Future growth The growth of Africa's population, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, will have the largest impact on global demographics in this century. From 2000 to 2100, it is expected that Africa's population will have increased by a factor of almost five. It overtook Europe in size in the late 1990s, and overtook the Americas a few years later. In contrast to Africa, Europe's population is now in decline, as birth rates are consistently below death rates in many countries, especially in the south and east, resulting in natural population decline. Similarly, the population of the Americas and Asia are expected to go into decline in the second half of this century, and only Oceania's population will still be growing alongside Africa. By 2100, the world's population will have over three billion more than today, with the vast majority of this concentrated in Africa. Demographers predict that climate change is exacerbating many of the challenges that currently hinder progress in Africa, such as political and food instability; if Africa's transition is prolonged, then it may result in further population growth that would place a strain on the region's resources, however, curbing this growth earlier would alleviate some of the pressure created by climate change.

The statistic shows the development of the world population from 1950 to 2050. The world population was around 7.38 billion people in 2015.

The global population

As shown above, the total number of people living on Earth has more than doubled since the 1950s, and continues to increase. A look at the development of the world population since the beginning of the Common Era shows that such a surge in numbers is unprecedented. The first significant rise in population occurred during the 14th century, after the Black Death had killed approximately 25 million people worldwide. Subsequently, the global population increased slowly but steadily until it reached record numbers between 1950 and 2000.

The majority of the global population lives on the Asian continent, as a statistic of the world population by continent shows. In around 100 years, it is estimated that population levels on the African continent will have reached similar levels to those we see in Asia today. As for a forecast of the development of the world population, the figures are estimated to have reached more than 10 billion by the 22nd century.

Growing population numbers pose an increasing risk to the planet, since rocketing numbers equal increased consumption of food and resources. Scientists worry that natural resources, such as oil, and food resources will become scarce, endangering the human race and, even more so, the world’s ecosystem. Nowadays, the number of undernourished / starving people worldwide has decreased slightly, but forecasts paint a darker picture.

European countries are experiencing population decline and the tacit assumption in most analyses is that the decline may have detrimental welfare effects. In this paper we use a survey among the population in the Netherlands to discover whether population decline is always met with fear. A number of results stand out: population size preferences differ by geographic proximity: at a global level the majority of respondents favors a (global) population decline, but closer to home one supports a stationary population. Population decline is clearly not always met with fear: 31 percent would like the population to decline at the national level and they generally perceive decline to be accompanied by immaterial welfare gains (improvement environment) as well as material welfare losses (tax increases, economic stagnation). In addition to these driving forces it appears that the attitude towards immigrants is a very strong determinant at all geographical levels: immigrants seem to be a stronger fear factor than population decline.

Before 2025, the world's total population is expected to reach eight billion. Furthermore, it is predicted to reach over 10 billion in 2060, before slowing again as global birth rates are expected to decrease. Moreover, it is still unclear to what extent global warming will have an impact on population development. A high share of the population increase is expected to happen on the African continent.

Between 1800 and 2021, the total population of each continent experienced consistent growth, however as growth rates varied by region, population distribution has fluctuated. In the early 19th century, almost 70 percent of the world's population lived in Asia, while fewer than 10 percent lived in Africa. By the end of this century, it is believed that Asia's share will fall to roughly 45 percent, while Africa's will be on course to reach 40 percent. 19th and 20th centuries Fewer than 2.5 percent of the world's population lived in the Americas in 1800, however the demographic transition, along with waves of migration, would see this share rise to almost 10 percent a century later, peaking at almost 14 percent in the 1960s. Europe's share of the global population also grew in the 19th century, to roughly a quarter in 1900, but fell thereafter and saw the largest relative decline during the 20th century. Asia, which has consistently been the world's most populous continent, saw its population share drop by the mid-1900s, but it has been around 60 percent since the 1970s. It is important to note that the world population has grown from approximately one to eight billion people between 1800 and the 2020s, and that declines in population distribution before 2020 have resulted from different growth rates across the continents. 21st century Africa's population share remained fairly constant throughout this time, fluctuating between 7.5 and 10 percent until the late-1900s, but it is set to see the largest change over the 21st century. As Europe's total population is now falling, and it is estimated that the total populations of Asia and the Americas will fall by the 2050s and 2070s respectively, rapid population growth in Africa will see a significant shift in population distribution. Africa's population is predicted to grow from 1.3 to 3.9 billion people over the next eight decades, and its share of the total population will rise to almost 40 percent. The only other continent whose population will still be growing at this time will be Oceania, although its share of the total population has never been more than 0.7 percent.

Population, female (% of total population) in World was reported at 49.71 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. World - Population, female (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Population dynamics, its types. Population migration (external, internal), factors determining it, main trends. Impact of migration on population health.

Under the guidance of Moldoev M.I. Sir By Riya Patil and Rutuja Sonar

Abstract

Population dynamics influence development and vice versa, at various scale levels: global, continental/world-regional, national, regional, and local. Debates on how population growth affects development and how development affects population growth have already been subject of intensive debate and controversy since the late 18th century, and this debate is still ongoing. While these two debates initially focused mainly on natural population growth, the impact of migration on both population dynamics and development is also increasingly recognized. While world population will continue growing throughout the 21st century, there are substantial and growing contrasts between and within world-regions in the pace and nature of that growth, including some countries where population is stagnating or even shrinking. Because of these growing contrasts, population dynamics and their interrelationships with development have quite different governance implications in different parts of the world.

1. Population Dynamics

Population dynamics refers to the changes in population size, structure, and distribution over time. These changes are influenced by four main processes:

Birth rate (natality)

Death rate (mortality)

Immigration (inflow of people)

Emigration (outflow of people)

Types of Population Dynamics

Natural population change: Based on birth and death rates.

Migration-based change: Caused by people moving in or out of a region.

Demographic transition: A model that explains changes in population growth as societies industrialize.

Population distribution: Changes in where people live (urban vs rural).

2. Population Migration

Migration refers to the movement of people from one location to another, often across political or geographical boundaries.

Types of Migration

External migration (international):

Movement between countries.

Examples: Refugee relocation, labor migration, education.

Internal migration:

Movement within the same country or region.

Examples: Rural-to-urban migration, inter-state migration.

3. Factors Determining Migration

Migration is influenced by push and pull factors:

Push factors (reasons to leave a place):

Unemployment

Conflict or war

Natural disasters

Poverty

Lack of services or opportunities

Pull factors (reasons to move to a place):

Better job prospects

Safety and security

Higher standard of living

Education and healthcare access

Family reunification

4. Main Trends in Migration

Urbanization: Mass movement to cities for work and better services.

Global labor migration: Movement from developing to developed countries.

Refugee and asylum seeker flows: Due to conflict or persecution.

Circular migration: Repeated movement between two or more locations.

Brain drain/gain: Movement of skilled labor away from (or toward) a country.

5. Impact of Migration on Population Health

Positive Impacts:

Access to better healthcare (for migrants moving to better systems).

Skills and knowledge exchange among health professionals.

Remittances improving healthcare affordability in home countries.

Negative Impacts:

Migrants’ health risks: Increased exposure to stress, poor living conditions, and occupational hazards.

Spread of infectious diseases: Especially when health screening is lacking.

Strain on health services: In receiving areas, especially with sudden or large influxes.

Mental health challenges: Due to cultural dislocation, discrimination, or trauma.

Population dynamics is one of the fundamental areas of ecology, forming both the basis for the study of more complex communities and of many applied questions. Understanding population dynamics is the key to understanding the relative importance of competition for resources and predation in structuring ecological communities, which is a central question in ecology.

Population dynamics plays a central role in many approaches to preserving biodiversity, which until now have been primarily focused on a single species approach. The calculation of the intrinsic growth rate of a species from a life table is often the central piece of conservation plans. Similarly, management of natural resources, such as fisheries, depends on population dynamics as a way to determine appropriate management actions.

Population dynamics can be characterized by a nonlinear system of difference or differential equations between the birth sizes of consecutive periods. In such a nonlinear system, when the feedback elasticity of previous events on current birth size is larger, the more likely the dynamics will be volatile. Depending on the classification criteria of the population, the revealed cyclical behavior has various interpretations. Under different contextual scenarios, Malthusian cycles, Easterlin cycles, predator–prey cycles, dynastic cycles, and capitalist–laborer cycles have been introduced and analyzed

Generally, population dynamics is a nonlinear stochastic process. Nonlinearities tend to be complicated to deal with, both when we want to do analytic stochastic modelling and when analysing data. The way around the problem is to approximate the nonlinear model with a linear one, for which the mathematical and statistical theories are more developed and tractable. Let us assume that the population process is described as:

(1)Nt=f(Nt−1,εt)

where Nt is population density at time t and εt is a series of random variables with identical distributions (mean and variance). Function f specifies how the population density one time step back, plus the stochastic environment εt, is mapped into the current time step. Let us assume that the (deterministic) stationary (equilibrium) value of the population is N* and that ε has mean ε*. The linear approximation of Eq. (1) close to N* is then:

(2)xt=axt−1+bϕt

where xt=Nt−N*, a=f

f(N*,ε*)/f

N, b=ff(N*,ε*)/fε, and ϕt=εt−ε*

The term population refers to the members of a single species that can interact with each other. Thus, the fish in a lake, or the moose on an island, are clear examples of a population. In other cases, such as trees in a forest, it may not be nearly so clear what a population is, but the concept of population is still very useful.

Population dynamics is essentially the study of the changes in the numbers through time of a single species. This is clearly a case where a quantitative description is essential, since the numbers of individuals in the population will be counted. One could begin by looking at a series of measurements of the numbers of particular species through time. However, it would still be necessary to decide which changes in numbers through time are significant, and how to determine what causes the changes in numbers. Thus, it is more sensible to begin with models that relate changes in population numbers through time to underlying assumptions. The models will provide indications of what features of changes in numbers are important and what measurements are critical to make, and they will help determine what the cause of changes in population levels might be.

To understand the dynamics of biological populations, the study starts with the simplest possibility and determines what the dynamics of the population would be in that case. Then, deviations in observed populations from the predictions of that simplest case would provide information about the kinds of forces shaping the dynamics of populations. Therefore, in describing the dynamics in this simplest case it is essential to be explicit and clear about the assumptions made. It would not be argued that the idealized population described here would ever be found, but that focusing on the idealized population would provide insight into real populations, just as the study of Newtonian mechanics provides understanding of more realistic situations in physics.

Population migration

The vast majority of people continue to live in the countries where they were born —only one in 30 are migrants.

In most discussions on migration, the starting point is usually numbers. Understanding changes in scale, emerging trends, and shifting demographics related to global social and economic transformations, such as migration, help us make sense of the changing world we live in and plan for the future. The current global estimate is that there were around 281 million international migrants in the world in 2020, which equates to 3.6 percent of the global population.

Overall, the estimated number of international migrants has increased over the past five decades. The total estimated 281 million people living in a country other than their countries of birth in 2020 was 128 million more than in 1990 and over three times the estimated number in 1970.

There is currently a larger number of male than female international migrants worldwide and the growing gender gap has increased over the past 20 years. In 2000, the male to female split was 50.6 to 49.4 per cent (or 88 million male migrants and 86 million female migrants). In 2020 the split was 51.9 to 48.1 per cent, with 146 million male migrants and 135 million female migrants. The share of

According to latest figures, the Chinese population decreased by 1.39 million to around 1.408 billion people in 2024. After decades of rapid growth, China arrived at the turning point of its demographic development in 2022, which was earlier than expected. The annual population decrease is estimated to remain at moderate levels until around 2030 but to accelerate thereafter. Population development in China China had for a long time been the country with the largest population worldwide, but according to UN estimates, it has been overtaken by India in 2023. As the population in India is still growing, the country is very likely to remain being home of the largest population on earth in the near future. Due to several mechanisms put into place by the Chinese government as well as changing circumstances in the working and social environment of the Chinese people, population growth has subsided over the past decades, displaying an annual population growth rate of -0.1 percent in 2024. Nevertheless, compared to the world population in total, China held a share of about 17 percent of the overall global population in 2024. China's aging population In terms of demographic developments, the birth control efforts of the Chinese government had considerable effects on the demographic pyramid in China. Upon closer examination of the age distribution, a clear trend of an aging population becomes visible. In order to curb the negative effects of an aging population, the Chinese government abolished the one-child policy in 2015, which had been in effect since 1979, and introduced a three-child policy in May 2021. However, many Chinese parents nowadays are reluctant to have a second or third child, as is the case in most of the developed countries in the world. The number of births in China varied in the years following the abolishment of the one-child policy, but did not increase considerably. Among the reasons most prominent for parents not having more children are the rising living costs and costs for child care, growing work pressure, a growing trend towards self-realization and individualism, and changing social behaviors.

The 1965 National Fertility Survey was the first of three surveys that succeeded the Growth of American Families surveys (1955 and 1960) aimed at examining marital fertility and family planning in the United States. Currently married women were queried on the following main topics: residence history, marital history, education, income and employment, family background, religiosity, attitudes toward contraception and sterilization, birth control pill use and other methods of contraception, fecundity, family size, fertility expectations and intentions, abortion, and world population growth. Respondents were asked about their residence history, including what state they grew up in, whether they had lived with both of their parents at the age of 14, and whether they had spent any time living on a farm. Respondents were also asked a series of questions about their marital history. Specifically, they were asked about the duration of their current marriage, whether their current marriage was their first marriage, total number of times they had been married, how previous marriages ended, length of engagement, and whether their husband had children from a previous marriage. Respondents were asked what was the highest grade of school that they had completed, whether they had attended a co-ed college, and to give the same information about their husbands. Respondents were asked about their 1965 income, both individual and combined, their occupation, whether they had been employed since marriage, if and when they stopped working, and whether they were self-employed. They were also asked about their husband's recent employment status. With respect to family background, respondents were asked about their parents' and their husband's parents' nationalities, education, religious preferences, and total number children born alive to their mother and mother-in-law, respectively. In addition, respondents were asked about their, and their husband's, religious practices including their religious preferences, whether they had ever received any Catholic education, how religious-minded they perceived themselves to be, how often they prayed at home, and how often they went to see a minister, rabbi, or priest. Respondents were asked to give their opinions with respect to contraception and sterilization. They were asked whether they approved or disapproved of contraception in general, as well as specific forms of contraception, whether information about birth control should be available to married and unmarried couples, and whether the federal government should support birth control programs in the United States and in other countries. They were also asked whether they approved or disapproved of sterilization operations for men and women and whether they thought such a surgery would impair a man's sexual ability. Respondents were asked about their own knowledge and use of birth control pills. They were asked if they had ever used birth control pills and when they first began using them. They were then asked to give a detailed account of their use of birth control pills between 1960 and 1965. Respondents were also asked to explain when they discontinued use of birth control pills and what the motivation was for doing so. Respondents were also asked about their reproductive cycle, the most fertile days in their cycle, the regularity of their cycle, and whether there were any known reasons why they could not have or would have problems having children. Respondents were asked about their ideal number of children, whether they had their ideal number of children or if they really wanted fewer children, as well as whether their husbands wanted more or less children than they did. Respondents were then asked how many additional births they expected, how many total births they expected, when they expected their next child, and at what age they expected to have their last child. Respondents were asked how they felt about interrupting a pregnancy and whether they approved of abortion given different circumstances such as if the pregnancy endangered the woman's health, if the woman was not married, if the couple could not afford another child, if the couple did not want another child, if the woman thought the child would be deformed, or if the woman had been raped. Respondents were also asked to share their opinions with respect to world population growth. T

This layer shares SEDAC's population projections for U.S. counties for 2020-2100 in increments of 5 years, for each of five population projection scenarios known as Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). This layer supports mapping, data visualizations, analysis and data exports.Before using this layer, read:The Shared Socioeconomic Pathways and their energy, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions implications: An overview by Keywan Riahi, Detlef P. van Vuuren, Elmar Kriegler, Jae Edmonds, Brian C. O’Neill, Shinichiro Fujimori, Nico Bauer, Katherine Calvin, Rob Dellink, Oliver Fricko, Wolfgang Lutz, Alexander Popp, Jesus Crespo Cuaresma, Samir KC, Marian Leimbach, Leiwen Jiang, Tom Kram, Shilpa Rao, Johannes Emmerling, Kristie Ebi, Tomoko Hasegawa, Petr Havlik, Florian Humpenöder, Lara Aleluia Da Silva, Steve Smith, Elke Stehfest, Valentina Bosetti, Jiyong Eom, David Gernaat, Toshihiko Masui, Joeri Rogelj, Jessica Strefler, Laurent Drouet, Volker Krey, Gunnar Luderer, Mathijs Harmsen, Kiyoshi Takahashi, Lavinia Baumstark, Jonathan C. Doelman, Mikiko Kainuma, Zbigniew Klimont, Giacomo Marangoni, Hermann Lotze-Campen, Michael Obersteiner, Andrzej Tabeau, Massimo Tavoni. Global Environmental Change, Volume 42, 2017, Pages 153-168, ISSN 0959-3780, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2016.05.009.From the 2017 paper: "The SSPs are part of a new scenario framework, established by the climate change research community in order to facilitate the integrated analysis of future climate impacts, vulnerabilities, adaptation, and mitigation. The pathways were developed over the last years as a joint community effort and describe plausible major global developments that together would lead in the future to different challenges for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. The SSPs are based on five narratives describing alternative socio-economic developments, including sustainable development, regional rivalry, inequality, fossil-fueled development, and middle-of-the-road development. The long-term demographic and economic projections of the SSPs depict a wide uncertainty range consistent with the scenario literature."According to SEDAC, the purpose of this data is:"To provide subnational (county) population projection scenarios for the United States essential for understanding long-term demographic changes, planning for the future, and decision-making in a variety of applications."According to Francesco Bassetti of Foresight, "The SSP’s baseline worlds are useful because they allow us to see how different socioeconomic factors impact climate change. They include: a world of sustainability-focused growth and equality (SSP1); a “middle of the road” world where trends broadly follow their historical patterns (SSP2); a fragmented world of “resurgent nationalism” (SSP3); a world of ever-increasing inequality (SSP4);a world of rapid and unconstrained growth in economic output and energy use (SSP5).There are seven sublayers, each with county boundaries and an identical set of attribute fields containing projections for these seven groupings across the five SSPs and nine decades.Total PopulationBlack Non-Hispanic PopulationWhite Non-Hispanic PopulationOther Non-Hispanic PopulationHispanic PopulationMale PopulationFemale PopulationMethodology: Documentation for the Georeferenced U.S. County-Level Population Projections, Total and by Sex, Race and Age, Based on the SSPs, v1 (2020 – 2100)Data currency: This layer was created from a shapefile downloaded April 18, 2023 from SEDAC's Georeferenced U.S. County-Level Population Projections, Total and by Sex, Race and Age, Based on the SSPs, v1 (2020 – 2100)Enhancements found in this layer: Every field was given a field alias and field description created from SEDAC's Data Dictionary downloaded April 18, 2023. Citation: Hauer, M., and Center for International Earth Science Information Network - CIESIN - Columbia University. 2021. Georeferenced U.S. County-Level Population Projections, Total and by Sex, Race and Age, Based on the SSPs, 2020-2100. Palisades, New York: NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC). https://doi.org/10.7927/dv72-s254. Accessed 18 April 2023.Hauer, M. E. 2019. Population Projections for U.S. Counties by Age, Sex, and Race Controlled to Shared Socioeconomic Pathway. Scientific Data 6: 190005. https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2019.5.Distribution Liability: CIESIN follows procedures designed to ensure that data disseminated by CIESIN are of reasonable quality. If, despite these procedures, users encounter apparent errors or misstatements in the data, they should contact SEDAC User Services at +1 845-465-8920 or via email at ciesin.info@ciesin.columbia.edu. Neither CIESIN nor NASA verifies or guarantees the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any data provided. CIESIN provides this data without warranty of any kind whatsoever, either expressed or implied. CIESIN shall not be liable for incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of the use of any data provided by CIESIN.

Synthetic Plant Hormones Market Outlook

As of 2023, the global synthetic plant hormones market size is estimated to be approximately USD 2.5 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% to reach around USD 4.5 billion by 2032. The growth of this market is significantly driven by the increasing demand for enhanced agricultural productivity to feed the ever-growing global population. Factors such as advancements in agricultural practices, the need for sustainable farming solutions, and the rising implementation of modern agricultural technologies have been pivotal in fostering the demand for synthetic plant hormones. These compounds are crucial in regulating plant growth and development, offering solutions to improve yield and crop quality.

One of the primary growth factors of the synthetic plant hormones market is the escalating global food demand coupled with shrinking arable land. With the world population expected to reach approximately 9 billion by 2050, the pressure to enhance crop yield and ensure food security is immense. Synthetic plant hormones play a vital role in increasing agricultural productivity by optimizing plant growth, flowering, fruiting, and stress resistance. These hormones help in overcoming environmental stresses such as drought and salinity, which are becoming more prevalent due to climate change. Consequently, farmers and agriculturalists are increasingly adopting synthetic plant hormones to maximize yields and ensure crop resilience, which is significantly propelling the growth of this market.

Moreover, technological advancements and innovations in agriculture are acting as a major catalyst for the synthetic plant hormones market. The development of precision agriculture and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in farming practices have enhanced the efficiency and application of synthetic plant hormones. These technologies facilitate real-time monitoring of crop health and growth, allowing for the precise application of hormones to achieve desired outcomes. The increasing awareness and adoption of biotechnological interventions in plant growth stages also contribute significantly to the rising demand for synthetic plant hormones, as they provide tailored solutions to specific agricultural challenges.

The growing trend of organic farming and sustainable agriculture is another significant factor driving the market. While synthetic plant hormones might seem contrary to organic practices, they are increasingly being developed to meet organic farming standards. This trend is supported by increasing consumer preference for organic and sustainably produced food products. The development of bio-based synthetic hormones, which comply with organic farming guidelines, is expected to open new avenues for market growth. As organic farming becomes more mainstream, the demand for such compliant synthetic plant hormones is likely to see a significant rise.

Regionally, Asia Pacific stands out as the dominant market for synthetic plant hormones, driven by the intensifying agricultural activities and rapid population growth in countries such as China and India. The region's large agricultural base, combined with government initiatives to boost agricultural output and efficiency, supports the market's expansion. Additionally, favorable climatic conditions for diverse agricultural practices and the availability of vast farming lands make Asia Pacific a key market for synthetic plant hormones. Other regions like North America and Europe are also seeing steady growth, driven by technological advancements and a strong focus on sustainable agricultural practices.

Product Type Analysis

The synthetic plant hormones market is segmented into various product types, including auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, abscisic acid, and others. Auxins are perhaps the most widely used synthetic hormones, known for their vital role in regulating plant growth processes such as cell elongation, root initiation, and bud growth. These hormones are particularly important in horticulture and floriculture, where they are used to promote rooting of cuttings and to prevent premature fruit drop. The growing demand for high-quality fruits and vegetables is driving the widespread use of auxins, reinforcing their significant share in the market. As agricultural practices advance, the demand for auxins is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

Gibberellins are a group of plant hormones t

Food Grade Phosphoric Acid Market size was valued at USD 3.17 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.48 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.98% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

Global Food Grade Phosphoric Acid Market Drivers

The market drivers for the Food Grade Phosphoric Acid Market can be influenced by various factors. These may include:

Expanding Food and Beverage Sector: The food and beverage sector is expanding as a result of consumers' growing need for processed and convenience foods. The demand for phosphoric acid is fueled by its widespread use as an acidulant and pH regulator in a variety of food and beverage items.

Urbanisation and Population Growth: The world's population is always growing, especially in metropolitan areas. Due to urbanisation and changing lifestyles, there is a greater inclination towards packaged and processed meals, which frequently include phosphoric acid.

Functional Properties: Phosphoric acid is used as an acidifier, sequestrant, and leavening agent in food applications. Due to its many uses, it is a highly favoured component in the culinary business.

Growth of the Beverage Industry: Phosphoric acid is used extensively in the manufacturing of carbonated drinks, especially colas. The need for food-grade phosphoric acid is mostly driven by the expansion of the beverage industry, which includes soft drinks.

Growing Need for Acidulants: Acidulants are chemicals that are added to food and drink to change the pH or give them a sour taste. The food sector frequently uses phosphoric acid as an acidulant, and the market for food-grade phosphoric acid is rising as a result of the increased need for acidulants.

Preference for Natural and Organic Ingredients: Natural and organic products are becoming more and more popular among consumers. Demand for food-grade phosphoric acid is rising since it fits this trend when it comes from natural sources.

Technological Developments in Production: The efficiency of producing phosphoric acid has increased due to developments in production technologies. This might result in lower prices and more availability, which would benefit the market.

Government Regulations and Standards: As producers work to comply with strict regulations and standards pertaining to food safety and quality, there is a need for premium ingredients, particularly food grade phosphoric acid.

Middle-Class Growth and Emerging Economies: The middle class is growing and experiencing economic growth, which raises disposable income and modifies eating patterns, which in turn increases the consumption of processed foods and beverages.

Phosphoric Acid in Agriculture: Phosphoric acid is used as a fertiliser in agriculture in addition to the food sector. The market for food-grade phosphoric acid may be indirectly impacted by the need for fertilisers and how they affect crop output.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Population Health Management Solutions market size will be USD 28514.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.50% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 11405.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 8554.26 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 6558.27 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1425.71 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 570.28 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% from 2024 to 2031.
The software category is the fastest growing segment of the Population Health Management Solutions industry

Market Dynamics of Population Health Management Solutions Market

Key Drivers for Population Health Management Solutions Market

The Requirement for Better Clinical and Financial Results for Patients to Boost Market Growth

The growing need for better patient outcomes, including favorable therapeutic and financial outcomes, is one of the main reasons propelling the population health management market. Medical professionals can obtain aggregated patient data from a variety of medical disciplines by using population health management technologies. Because of this, practitioners are able to make more educated clinical judgments, which improves treatment results and lowers treatment costs for patients. This is particularly true in the current situation, where individuals have a variety of long-term illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease. Adopting a longitudinal care paradigm is made possible by PHM for the physicians, and this can result in very favorable treatment outcomes. This helps doctors to prevent expensive, one-time, and highly unpredictable medical events that result from these chronic illnesses. Due to these reasons, industry participants are always focused on innovating and launching new population health management software and solutions. Healthcare organizations are able to provide patients with customized care because of the software and services they provide, which also helps them save more money overall. Additionally, a number of industry participants are concentrating on home healthcare, which also significantly aids doctors in making even superior clinical judgments.

The Global Rise in the Elderly Population Requires Better Healthcare Management to Drive Market Growth

Population health management (PHM) solutions market growth is mostly being driven by the aging of the world's population. In particular, the management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis is driving up demand for healthcare services from an aging population. By providing resources for care coordination, real-time monitoring, and preventative care, PHM systems help healthcare practitioners effectively manage sizable, aging patient populations. These technologies enhance the quality of life for senior citizens, minimize the need for readmissions to hospitals, and maximize resource usage. PHM solutions are necessary for early intervention and individualized care since the elderly are also more susceptible to complex health conditions. The market need is anticipated to increase even more in the upcoming years due to this demographic shift.

Restraint Factor for the Population Health Management Solutions Market

High Prices of Implementation and Maintenance Will Limit Market Growth

One of the primary obstacles to the population health management (PHM) solutions market is the high cost of implementation and upkeep. For smaller clinics and healthcare organizations, deploying PHM solutions might be financially prohibitive due to the significant investments required in hardware, software, and infrastructure. Furthermore, there are typically expensive and complicated procedures involved in integr...

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Soilless Culture market size will be USD XX million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The Underground type segment held the highest Soilless Culture market revenue share in 2024.

Market Dynamics of Soilless Culture Market

Key Drivers for Soilless Culture Market

Growing Preference for Organic and Locally Grown Produce to Increase the Demand Globally

Consumer preference for organic and pesticide-free produce is rising. In 2022, the global area dedicated to organic farming expanded by more than 20 million hectares, reaching a total of 96 million hectares. The number of organic producers also experienced notable growth, exceeding 4.5 million. Organic food sales reached nearly 135 billion euros in 2022. By the end of 2022, 96.4 million hectares were under organic management, marking a 26.6% increase, or an additional 20.3 million hectares, compared to 2021. Soilless culture methods allow farmers to cultivate crops in controlled environments, significantly reducing or eliminating the need for chemical inputs. Furthermore, these systems support local food production, ensuring fresher deliveries to markets while addressing consumer demand for locally sourced products and minimizing the environmental impact of long-distance transportation. https://www.ifoam.bio/news/global-organic-area-grows-more-ever

Limited Arable Land and Urbanization to Propel Market Growth

Rapid urbanization has reduced the availability of farmland, driving the need for alternative farming techniques that can thrive in limited spaces. Globally, the proportion of people living in cities has steadily increased. In 2012, 52.5% of the population resided in urban areas, which grew to 56.9% by 2022. This urban population share is generally higher in developed regions (79.7% in 2022) compared to developing regions (52.3%), while in least developed countries (LDCs), it remains lower at 35.8%. Currently, 55% of the global population lives in urban areas, a figure expected to rise to 68% by 2050. Additionally, the world average cropland area per person was 0.2 hectares in 2021, marking an 18% decline since 2000. Soilless culture methods, such as vertical farming, are well-suited to urban environments and can be utilized in warehouses, rooftops, and indoor spaces. These systems enable food production closer to urban consumers, reducing transportation costs and improving food security. https://hbs.unctad.org/total-and-urban-population/ https://www.un.org/uk/desa/68-world-population-projected-live-urban-areas-2050-says-un https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/5c8b2707-1bcf-4c29-90e2-3487e583f71e/content

Restraint Factor for the Soilless Culture Market

High upfront investment to Limit the Sales

The initial investment required to set up soilless culture systems, such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics, is considerably higher than that of traditional farming. These costs include specialized equipment, controlled environment infrastructure, automated systems, and advanced lighting solutions. For small-scale farmers or those in developing regions, these high upfront costs can be a significant barrier, limiting adoption. Additionally, not all crops are well-suited for soilless farming. While high-value crops like leafy greens, herbs, and certain fruits are profitable in controlled environments, staple crops like grains and root vegetables are less feasible due to space and cost...

Potassium Sorbate Powder Market Outlook

The global potassium sorbate powder market size was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 2.1 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for food preservatives, an expanding pharmaceutical sector, and the rising popularity of natural products in personal care and cosmetics.

The primary growth factor for the potassium sorbate powder market is the ever-increasing demand for food preservation solutions. As the global population grows, so does the need for food safety and longer shelf life. Potassium sorbate, widely recognized for its effectiveness in inhibiting mold, yeast, and fungi, is extensively used in the food and beverage industry to prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of products. Moreover, the rising trend of ready-to-eat and convenience foods, driven by the fast-paced lifestyles of urban populations, further propels the demand for effective preservatives like potassium sorbate.

Another significant growth driver is the pharmaceutical industry's expanding use of potassium sorbate powder. Pharmaceutical formulations require stringent preservation standards to maintain their efficacy, safety, and shelf life. Potassium sorbate is used in various medicinal products, including syrups, creams, and ointments, as it prevents microbial growth without compromising the formulation's integrity. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the subsequent demand for long-lasting pharmaceutical products have boosted the requirement for efficient preservatives, contributing to market growth.

The personal care and cosmetics industry is also a notable contributor to the potassium sorbate powder market's growth. As consumers become more conscious of the ingredients in their personal care products, there is a growing preference for preservatives derived from natural sources. Potassium sorbate, recognized for its low toxicity and effectiveness at low concentrations, is increasingly used in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and other personal care items. This trend is further supported by strict regulations in many countries that require the use of safe, approved preservatives in cosmetic products.

Sorbic Acid CAS 110 44 1 is a key ingredient in the formulation of potassium sorbate, which is extensively used as a preservative in various industries. This organic compound is known for its ability to inhibit the growth of molds, yeasts, and fungi, making it an essential component in food preservation. Its effectiveness at low concentrations and low toxicity levels make it a preferred choice for manufacturers aiming to maintain product safety and quality. The demand for Sorbic Acid CAS 110 44 1 is expected to rise as industries continue to seek reliable and safe preservation solutions. Moreover, its application is not limited to food; it is also utilized in pharmaceuticals and personal care products, where maintaining product integrity is crucial.

Regionally, the Asia Pacific market holds the largest share due to the region's booming food and beverage industry, rapid urbanization, and significant population growth. Countries like China and India, with their expanding middle-class populations and increasing disposable incomes, are driving the demand for preserved, convenient food products. North America and Europe also contribute significantly to the market, with well-established pharmaceutical and personal care sectors that rely on safe, effective preservatives. The Middle East and Africa, along with Latin America, present emerging opportunities, driven by improving economic conditions and growing awareness of food safety and personal care.

Application Analysis

The food and beverages segment dominates the potassium sorbate powder market, primarily due to the widespread use of this preservative in extending the shelf life of various consumables. In food products, potassium sorbate helps to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria, thereby ensuring product safety and extending shelf life. The demand for convenience foods, snacks, dairy products, and baked goods has escalated, particularly in urban areas where busy lifestyles necessitate longer-lasting food products. Additionally, the trend of globalization has introduced diverse food products in different regions, further boosting the need for effective preservatives.<

Approximately 25% of mammals are currently threatened with extinction, a risk that is amplified under climate change. Species persistence under climate change is determined by the combined effects of climatic factors on multiple demographic rates (survival, development, reproduction), and hence, population dynamics. Thus, to quantify which species and regions on Earth are most vulnerable to climate-driven extinction, a global understanding of how different demographic rates respond to climate is urgently needed. Here, we perform a systematic review of literature on demographic responses to climate, focusing on terrestrial mammals, for which extensive demographic data are available. To assess the full spectrum of responses, we synthesize information from studies that quantitatively link climate to multiple demographic rates. We find only 106 such studies, corresponding to 87 mammal species. These 87 species constitute < 1% of all terrestrial mammals. Our synthesis reveals a strong mismatch between the locations of demographic studies and the regions and taxa currently recognized as most vulnerable to climate change. Surprisingly, for most mammals and regions sensitive to climate change, holistic demographic responses to climate remain unknown. At the same time, we reveal that filling this knowledge gap is critical as the effects of climate change will operate via complex demographic mechanisms: a vast majority of mammal populations display projected increases in some demographic rates but declines in others, often depending on the specific environmental context, complicating simple projections of population fates. Assessments of population viability under climate change are in critical need to gather data that account for multiple demographic responses, and coordinated actions to assess demography holistically should be prioritized for mammals and other taxa.

Methods For each mammal species i with available life-history information, we searched SCOPUS for studies (published before 2018) where the title, abstract, or keywords contained the following search terms:

Scientific species namei AND (demograph* OR population OR life-history OR "life history" OR model) AND (climat* OR precipitation OR rain* OR temperature OR weather) AND (surv* OR reprod* OR recruit* OR brood OR breed* OR mass OR weight OR size OR grow* OR offspring OR litter OR lambda OR birth OR mortality OR body OR hatch* OR fledg* OR productiv* OR age OR inherit* OR sex OR nest* OR fecund* OR progression OR pregnan* OR newborn OR longevity).

We used the R package taxize (Chamberlain and Szöcs 2013) to resolve discrepancies in scientific names or taxonomic identifiers and, where applicable, searched SCOPUS using all scientific names associated with a species in the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS; http://www.itis.gov).

We did not extract information on demographic-rate-climate relationships if:

A study reported on single age or stage-specific demographic rates (e.g., Albon et al. 2002; Rézoiki et al. 2016)
A study used an experimental design to link demographic rates to climate variation (e.g., Cain et al. 2008)
A study considered the effects of climate only indirectly or qualitatively. In most cases, this occurred when demographic rates differed between seasons (e.g., dry vs. wet season) but were not linked explicitly to climatic factors (e.g., varying precipitation amount between seasons) driving these differences (e.g., de Silva et al. 2013; Gaillard et al. 2013).

We included several studies of the same population as different studies assessed different climatic variables or demographic rates or spanned different years (e.g., for Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus, Albon et al. 2017; Douhard et al. 2016).

We note that we can miss a potentially relevant study if our search terms were not mentioned in the title, abstract, or keywords. To our knowledge, this occurred only once, for Mastomys natalensis (we included the relevant study [Leirs et al. 1997] into our review after we were made aware that it assesses climate-demography relationships in the main text).

Lastly, we checked for potential database bias by running the search terms for a subset of nine species in Web of Science. The subset included three species with > three climate-demography studies published and available in SCOPUS (Rangifer tarandus, Cervus elaphus, Myocastor coypus); three species with only one climate-demography study obtained from SCOPUS (Oryx gazella, Macropus rufus, Rhabdomys pumilio); and another three species where SCOPUS did not return any published study (Calcochloris obtusirostris, Cynomops greenhalli, Suncus remyi). Species in the three subcategories were randomly chosen. Web of Science did not return additional studies for the three species where SCOPUS also failed to return a potentially suitable study. For the remaining six species, the total number of studies returned by Web of Science differed, but the same studies used for this review were returned, and we could not find any additional studies that adhered to our extraction criteria.

Description of key collected data

From all studies quantitatively assessing climate-demography relationships, we extracted the following information:

Geographic location - The center of the study area was always used. If coordinates were not provided in a study, we assigned coordinates based on the study descriptions of field sites and data collection.
Terrestrial biome - The study population was assigned to one of 14 terrestrial biomes (Olson et al. 2001) corresponding to the center of the study area. As this review is focused on general climatic patterns affecting demographic rates, specific microhabitat conditions described for any study population were not considered.
Climatic driver - Drivers linked to demographic rates were grouped as either local/regional precipitation & temperature values or derived indices (e.g., ENSO, NAO). The temporal extent (e.g., monthly, seasonal, annual, etc.) and aggregation type (e.g., minimum, maximum, mean, etc.) of drivers was also noted.
Demographic rate modeled - To facilitate comparisons, we grouped the demographic rates into either survival, reproductive success (i.e., whether or not reproduction occurre, reproductive output (i.e., number or rate of offspring production), growth (including stage transitions), or condition that determines development (i.e., mass or size). 
Stage or sex modeled - We retrieved information on responses of demographic rates to climate for each age class, stage, or sex modeled in a given study.
Driver effect - We grouped effects of drivers as positive (i.e., increased demographic rates), negative (i.e., reduced demographic rate), no effect, or context-dependent (e.g., positive effects at low population densities and now effect at high densities). We initially also considered nonlinear effects (e.g., positive effects at intermediate values and negative at extremes of a driver), but only 4 studies explicitly tested for nonlinear effects, by modelling squared or cubic climatic drivers in combination with driver interactions. We therefore considered nonlinear demographic effects as context dependent.  
Driver interactions - We noted any density dependence modeled and any non-climatic covariates included (as additive or interactive effects) in the demographic-rate models assessing climatic effects.
Future projections of climatic driver - In studies that indicated projections of drivers under climate change, we noted whether drivers were projected to increase, decrease, or show context-dependent trends. For studies that provided no information on climatic projections, we quantified projections as described in Detailed description of climate-change projections below (see also climate_change_analyses_mammal_review.R).

Retirement Communities Market Outlook

The global retirement communities market size was valued at approximately USD 250 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 400 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of about 5%. This growth is primarily driven by the aging global population, an increase in life expectancy, and changing lifestyle preferences among seniors. The shift towards comprehensive care and the integration of health and wellness services within retirement communities have further fueled this market's expansion. As societies worldwide continue to experience demographic shifts, the demand for retirement communities that offer a blend of healthcare, hospitality, and recreational amenities is expected to surge, underpinning the robust growth trajectory of the sector.

The burgeoning aging population is one of the primary growth factors for the retirement communities market. As advances in healthcare continue to improve life expectancy, a significant proportion of the global population is projected to fall within the senior age bracket, necessitating adequate living solutions for them. This demographic shift is particularly pronounced in developed regions such as North America and Europe, where a considerable percentage of the population is transitioning into retirement age. Additionally, emerging economies in Asia Pacific are also witnessing an increase in the elderly population, driven by improved healthcare infrastructure and living standards. This demographic evolution necessitates the development of retirement communities equipped with facilities that cater to both the healthcare and lifestyle needs of seniors.

Another significant growth factor is the increased financial independence and spending power among seniors. With many from the baby boomer generation having accrued substantial savings and investments, there is a growing willingness to spend on quality living environments that provide comfort, security, and access to healthcare and recreational activities. This financial capability, coupled with the desire for a community living environment that offers social interaction and reduces isolation, is a key driver for the retirement communities market. Furthermore, these communities are increasingly incorporating technology to enhance the quality of life for residents, with features such as telemedicine, smart home technologies, and digital health monitoring, which are appealing to the tech-savvy senior demographic.

Moreover, the changing societal norms and lifestyle preferences among the elderly are also contributing to the market's growth. TodayÂ’s seniors are more active and health-conscious than ever before, seeking retirement communities that offer wellness programs, fitness centers, and social activities that align with their lifestyle choices. The emphasis on holistic well-being has led to a rise in integrated community models that provide a continuum of care, from independent living to assisted living and nursing care, allowing seniors to age in place with dignity and peace of mind. This trend is expected to intensify in the coming years, further propelling the growth of the retirement communities market globally.

In recent years, the concept of Smart Communities has emerged as a transformative force within the retirement sector. These communities leverage advanced technologies to create interconnected environments that enhance the quality of life for residents. By integrating smart home devices, IoT solutions, and data-driven services, Smart Communities offer personalized and efficient living experiences. This technological integration not only improves safety and convenience for seniors but also promotes sustainable living practices. As the demand for tech-savvy solutions grows, retirement communities are increasingly adopting smart technologies to meet the evolving expectations of their residents, positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation in senior living.

Regionally, North America currently holds the largest share of the retirement communities market, driven by a well-established infrastructure, high disposable incomes, and a significant aging population. Europe follows closely, benefiting from similar demographic trends and a strong emphasis on social welfare programs for the elderly. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest growth rate over the forecast period, fueled by rapid urbanization, economic growth, and increasing healthcare investments. Countries such as China, Japan, and India are at the forefront of this expansion, as they adapt to th

The 1970 National Fertility Survey (NFS) was the second in a series of three surveys that followed the Growth of American Families surveys (1955 and 1960) aimed at examining marital fertility and family planning in the United States. Women were queried on the following main topics: residence history, age and race, family background, pregnancies, abortions and miscarriages, marriage history, education, employment and income, religion, use of family planning clinics, current and past birth control pill use and other methods of contraception, sterility, ideals regarding childbearing, attitudes and opinions with respect to abortion, gender roles, sterilization and world population, and birth histories. Respondents were asked to give residence histories for themselves and their husbands. Specifically, they were asked about the state they grew up in, whether they had lived with both parents, whether they had lived on a farm growing up, and whether they were currently living on a farm. Respondents were asked to give their date of birth, current age and race, as well as that of their husband. Regarding family background, respondents were asked how many brothers and sisters that they had, whether their siblings were older or younger, and whether there were any twins in the family. Additionally, respondents were asked to summarize their pregnancy history by giving information with respect to total number of pregnancies, live births, miscarriages, and abortions. Regarding abortions, respondents also were asked to give the date of the abortion and if they had used any family planning techniques prior to the abortion. Respondents were queried about their marriage history, specifically they were asked whether this was their first marriage, whether it was their spouse's first marriage, and their total number of marriages. If previously married, respondents were asked about the dates of past marriages and reasons for the marriage ending (e.g., death, divorce, or annulment). Respondents were asked a series of questions about both their own and their spouse's education including number of grades completed, current educational status, schooling completed after marriage, highest grade completed, and highest grade the respondent and spouse hoped to complete. All respondents were queried about their own and their husband's employment situations, as well as their household income. Respondents were asked about employment prior to and after marriage, employment after the birth of their first child, reasons for working, future employment expectations, earned income for both the respondent and husband in 1970, and other sources of income. There was also a series of questions on religion including religious preferences growing up, current religious preferences, and the importance of religion for both the respondent and her husband. Respondents were asked whether they had ever been to a family planning clinic, whether methods of family planning were discussed with a doctor or other medically trained person, whether this had taken place in the last 12 months, and if not, when the last time was. Several questions were devoted to the respondent's current and past use of the birth control pill and other methods of contraception such as the IUD and the diaphragm. Specifically, respondents were asked how they obtained the method of contraception for the first time, whether the respondent had sought methods of contraception from a doctor, and whether they had discussed with a doctor problems related to the methods of contraception. Respondents were asked why they used the pill and other methods of contraception, why they had stopped using a particular method, whether the methods were being used for family planning, and during what intervals the methods were used. Respondents also were asked questions about sterility including whether they were able to have children, whether they or their husband had undergone a sterilization operation, and if so, what kind of operation it was, the motive for having such an operation, whether the respondent had arrived at menopause, and if they had seen a doctor if they were unable to have a baby. They were also asked about their ideals with respect to children including their ideal number of children, the ideal number of boys and girls, as well as the ideal age for having their first and last child. The survey also sough