Which statement describes Stage 2 of the demographic transition?

Which statement describes Stage 2 of the demographic transition?

• A. Stage 1: high birth and death
• B. Stage 2: high birth, falling death
• C. Stage 3: falling birth, low death
• D. Stage 4: low birth and death

Answer: (B)

Stage two is characterized by high birth rates paired with falling death rates, which together produce rapid population growth. Improvements in healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, and living conditions reduce mortality, especially among children, while birth rates remain high due to cultural norms, economic factors, and limited access to family planning. As societies continue to develop, birth rates eventually begin to decline, moving into Stage three. If both birth and death stay high, that describes Stage one; if births fall while deaths stay low, that’s Stage three; and if both are low, that’s Stage four.

Stage two is characterized by high birth rates paired with falling death rates, which together produce rapid population growth. Improvements in healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, and living conditions reduce mortality, especially among children, while birth rates remain high due to cultural norms, economic factors, and limited access to family planning. As societies continue to develop, birth rates eventually begin to decline, moving into Stage three. If both birth and death stay high, that describes Stage one; if births fall while deaths stay low, that’s Stage three; and if both are low, that’s Stage four.