It was expected that the population would reach 689 million people, but the decline in the age of fertility and mortality slowed growth. The complete document.
Latin America and the Caribbean increased its population to 663 million inhabitantsbut it was 3.8% less than expected two decades ago, according to a report presented this Thursday by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
In it 2000ECLAC had predicted that two decades later the region it was going to reach 689 million inhabitants. The decrease in mortality and fertility were some of the reasons for not having reached the expected number.
“The fall in fertility is an unprecedented fact: In the 1950s, women in the region had an average of 5.8 children during their reproductive period; In 2024, that number has fallen to 1.8,” the report noted.
The fertility of women between 15 and 24 years old decreased in all countries of the region during the 21st century. Chile and Costa Rica fell categorically by 91% and 70%, respectively.
Among the reasons for this decline, it is the decision of many women to delay motherhood. In 2000, the majority had children aged 21 and older. During this year, the average was 24. When we reach the middle of the century, the average will be even higher. It is estimated that it will be postponed to 28 years.
An older region
Added to this is the aging of the population. 70 years ago, half of the population was 18 years old. Today it is estimated at 31. What at first seems like a good indicator, for the body it is data that sets off some alarms.
“Aging affects all areas of public policy and, above all, it leads to an increase in demand for long-term care services,” ECLAC said.
Source: Ambito
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