This publication provides an overview of population policies and dynamics for each of the United Nations Member and non-member States for which data are available at mid-decade for the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and for 2009.

 

The core information included in the monitoring of population policies encompasses two basic components:

 

Government perceptions of population size and growth, population age structure and spatial distribution, and of the demographic components of fertility, mortality and migration which affect them. For each of these variables, is the level or trend viewed as a significant policy issue, and is the prevailing level or rate of change seen as too high, too low or acceptable/satisfactory in relation to other social and economic conditions?

 

Government policies with respect to each variable. Is the policy of the Government to raise, lower or maintain the current level of the variable? Has the Government actively intervened to influence the variable and, if so, by what means?

 

The publication shows, on a country-by-country basis, the evolution of Government views and policies from 1976 to 2009 with respect to population size and growth, population age structure, fertility and family planning, health and mortality, spatial distribution and international migration within the context of demographic, social and economic change.  The material is presented in the form of two-page data sheets: the first page contains population policy data for each country for 1976, 1986, 1996 and 2009, and the second page provides population indicators for the corresponding years.

 

The publication can be viewed on-line, downloaded as a pdf file or purchased at the United Nations Publications web site.  The data are also being released in a user-friendly electronic format and can be acquired by either downloading the database or purchasing the CD-Rom.