Which stage of the demographic transition is characterized by low birth and low death rates?

Which stage of the demographic transition is characterized by low birth and low death rates?

• A. Stage 1
• B. Stage 2
• C. Stage 3
• D. Stage 4

Answer: (D)

In this stage, both fertility and mortality are low. As societies develop, healthcare improves and life expectancy rises, while families adopt smaller sizes due to education, urban living, and economic choices. With births at a low level and deaths still low, the population growth slows dramatically and may stabilize or grow only slowly. This contrasts with earlier stages where death rates drop but birth rates stay high, or where both rates are high, leading to rapid population changes.

In this stage, both fertility and mortality are low. As societies develop, healthcare improves and life expectancy rises, while families adopt smaller sizes due to education, urban living, and economic choices. With births at a low level and deaths still low, the population growth slows dramatically and may stabilize or grow only slowly. This contrasts with earlier stages where death rates drop but birth rates stay high, or where both rates are high, leading to rapid population changes.