Demographic transition in Asia and its consequences

This article examines the dramatic demographic transition in Asia over the last five decades and its implications for education provision, social security and the environment. The speed and the current phase of the demographic shift vary greatly both between and within countries. East Asia, with its low population growth rate and fertility rate is in the final stages of the transition and South Asia, the converse. Despite Asia's falling population growth rate, by 2025 an extra 757 million people will be living in the region. The article highlights some of the main challenges for Asian countries over the coming years, These will include education provision (for countries with a high population growth rate and fertility rate), providing financially for an ageing population (for countries with a low fertility rate and low population growth) and addressing the problem of increased pressure on water supplies.