f a country’s total fertility rate (TFR) is measured at 4.0, what does this measurement most likely indicate about the future of the country’s population?

A.
The population likely is declining rapidly.
B.
The population likely is declining slowly.
C.
The population likely is staying constant.
D.
The population likely is growing.

Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

A
B

1 answer

The total fertility rate (TFR) of 4.0 indicates that, on average, each woman in that country is having 4 children. A TFR of around 2.1 is typically considered the replacement level, which means that the population would remain stable over time, assuming no significant changes in mortality or migration.

Since a TFR of 4.0 is well above the replacement level, it most likely indicates that the population will experience growth.

Therefore, the best answer is:

D. The population likely is growing.