Developing countries have high rates of natural increase as their birth rates are high, and although their death rates are also high there is usually a big gap between the two figures. Malawi's natural increase is 30 per year for every 1,000 people. This is calculated from the birth rate of 51 minus the death rate of 21 (51 - 21 = 30).

Developed countries have both a low death rate and low birth rate, with only a small gap between the two. Norway's natural increase is 3 per year for every 1,000 (14 - 10 = 3).

Countries that have a high rate of natural increase will have a short population doubling time.

Infant Mortality

The infant mortality rates are higher in developing countries. The reasons for these higher rates are that developing countries often have

• A shortage of medical services
• A greater number of children born to mothers
• Poor nutrition of mothers and babies
• Less knowledge of health matters
• Dirty water supplies

The chances of surviving to your fifth birthday depend on where you are born in the world