Title: [Report on the 1984 International Population Conference]

POPLINE Document Number: 031179

Author(s):

Barta B
Klinger A

Source citation:

DEMOGRAFIA, 1984;27(4):367-424.

Abstract:

This report summarizes the preparatory meetings, documents, debates, declarations, recommendations and minutes of the UN-sponsored International Population Conference held August 6-14, 1984 in Mexico City. 1025 delegates from 146 countries took part. An overview of the state of the world's population was presented at the plenary session. Global economic growth slowed during the 1970s (2.6% increase in per capita Gross National Product vs. 3.3% in the prior decade). The nutritional situation deteriorated further in Africa, necessitating continued food imports. Notable progress was made in education: 86% of school-age children were attending school in 1980 vs. 60% in 1960. However, the number of illiterate persons increased from 760 million in 1970 to 825 million in 1980. Health care and employment showed little improvement. The deterioration of natural resources was also cause for concern. The total world population increased from 4 billion in 1974 (date of the previous conference) to 4.8 billion in 1984, despite decreasing fertility rates in China (from 2.4% to 1.2%), mainly due to a lower mortality rate. If present growth trends continue, particularly in Africa, Latin America and Asia, by 2025 the world population will number over 8 billion. Europe's population will grow from 490 million in 1980 to 527 million in 2025 (USSR from 276 to 387 million and North America from 235 to 347 million). Not until the year 2000 will life expectancy in developing countries reach 62 (72-74 in the 1980s in Europe and North America). Advances were made in family planning, especially in China where 70% of all couples practice birth control vs. 10% in Africa and 25% in South Asia. Other trends and issues (status of women, urbanization, migration, aging population) were discussed, and a final communique was issued.

Keywords:

Global
Population Growth
Population Dynamics
Population
Food Supply
Carrying Capacity
Natural Resources
Educational Status
Population Characteristics
Fertility Rate
Fertility Measurements
Measurement
Employment Status
Socioeconomic Status
Socioeconomic Factors
Macroeconomic Factors
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Mortality Changes
Demographic Factors
Conferences and Congresses
Changes
Environment
Economic Factors
Birth Rate
Fertility
Research Methodology
Health
Mortality
Social Change