1. FertilitySouth Africa

   South Africa: from 4.35 to 2.73 children per woman in just 10 years

   From 1987 to 1997 the number of children per woman fell faster than in any other decade since 1950. Around that period: urban share 50.1% → 54% (1987–1997); life expectancy 62.7 years → 60.5 years (1987–1997). This does not establish a cause.

   Source: UN WPP 2024, World Bank, national statisticsOpen on the chart →

More findings

• South Africa now has more people than Italy
• South Africa: in 2020–2023 net migration was higher than all 12 UN projections assumed
• Life expectancy goals: 4 of 7 came true on time. Russia expected 75 years by 2020 and got 71.6
• Promises to cut public debt in 6 countries: 1 of 7 came true on time. France promised under 60% of GDP, got 91.7%
• GDP growth plans for a deadline year in 5 countries: 2 of 7 came true. Nigeria expected 7% in 2020 and got minus 6.4%
• Jobs promises in 6 countries: from 25% to 259% of the promised number. 1 of 9 came true on time

All findings →