The table shows projected world population growth based on different Total Fertility Rates (TFR) over the next 100 years. Here’s a summary of the patterns observed:
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TFR of 2.6: This higher fertility rate suggests that the global population will experience significant growth. By 2038, the population is projected to reach 8.2 billion, increasing further to 11.8 billion by 2078, and potentially reaching 19.3 billion by 2119. This indicates a scenario of robust population growth, reflecting a sustained increase in the number of children per family.
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TFR of 2.1: This is the replacement-level fertility rate, where the population will maintain its size over time in the absence of migration. Under this scenario, the population is projected to increase modestly to 7.4 billion by 2038, then stabilize at around 8 billion by 2078 and slightly rise to 8.8 billion by 2119. This suggests a more stable population trajectory, with limited growth as numbers balance out across generations.
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TFR of 1.6: This lower fertility rate indicates a declining population trend. The projections show a decrease to 6.8 billion by 2038, falling further to 5.2 billion by 2078, and dropping to 3.5 billion by 2119. This highlights a significant population decline, which can lead to challenges related to an aging population and potential labor shortages.
In summary, the TFR significantly influences projected population growth, with higher fertility rates leading to substantial increases, while lower rates correspond to a potential population decline over the century.