Introduction
The rate of population growth is a major issue not only because of its effects on the general growth of the economy but also on its impacts on environment and general well-being of the individuals. In fact, the effects of high population growth are felt in all sectors of the economy. Most of the studies indicate that the rate of population growth is high in developing countries (Porter 55).
Researchers have produced numerous factors that have contributed to the discrepancy in the growth rate between the developing and the developed countries ranging from high rate of fertility to increased rate of poverty levels. In this particular case, the rate of population growth is compared between India and the United States. In essence, the paper seeks to find out the effects of population growth in relation to human health through the comparison of population growth between the two countries.
The population growth rates of India and United States
The study indicates that the population of India in 1950 was 357 million while that of the United States was 157 million. In 1975, the population of India has grown to 600 million people, an increase of 69%. Over the same period, the population of the US has grown only to 213 million representing the growth rate of 36%. As can be observed, the rate of population growth in India is twice that of US in the same period.
Between 1975 and 1998, the population of India was projected to be around 975 million while that of US was around 273 million. The approximate population growth rates of these two countries were 63% for India and 28% for US. Even though the decreasing rates of growth in population between the two periods can be observed, India still maintains its high growth rate. Moreover, the rate of decrease in India’s population is low compared to that of the US.
Reasons for high population growth rate in India
Like any developing country, India’s population is characterized by high birth rates, increased rate of infant mortalities and low life expectancy (Hannan 36). In addition, the population consists of the younger generation and majority live in the rural areas. However, these characteristics do not contribute directly to the increased rate of population.
In fact, the high increase in the rate of population growth is majorly blamed on the high rate of poverty levels. Studies indicate a direct correlation between the rate of poverty level and the increased population growth rate (Hannan 77). According to the India’s bureau of statistics, approximately one third of the total population still live below poverty line and in the rural areas.
In addition, this population has no access to education and reproductive health facilities such as family planning that could have contributed immensely towards the population reduction (Hannan 77). Besides, high birth rates contribute to the increased population growth rate.
In the contrary, the American population is majorly urbanized, have access to social amenities including reproductive health facilities and high literate levels, which contributes to the reduced growth rates (Porter 55). Moreover, the birth rate in America is almost at the same level with the death rates.
Conclusion
As indicated, many factors contribute to the high rate of population growth in the developing countries ranging from high literacy levels to inaccessibility to social amenities including reproductive health facilities such as family planning.
However, the high rate of population growth has been blamed on the increased rate of poverty levels. The high rate in population growth has negative impact on the general well-being of the population as well as the whole sectors of the economy. Therefore, appropriate policies and programs should be adopted to ensure increased living standards of the majority population in developing countries.
Works Cited
Hannan, Abram. Distribution and Growth of Population in India since Independence. New York: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2013. Print.
Porter, Douglas. Managing Growth in America’s Communities. Washington: Island Press, 2007. Print.