Population and Migration

Population and Migration: "Population and Migration

Population

The world is facing many complex population and migration dynamics over the next 50 years. The current world population of 6.5 billion is estimated to be growing by 1.2% annually, reaching over nine billion by 2050, according to the United Nations. The planet will soon experience the largest generation of youth in human history. Yet in some parts of the world, population growth rates are declining, with some countries experiencing negative growth rates. Many societies are aging, and in some nations the increasing proportion of elderly in the population is placing pressure on existing public sector pension systems and social welfare programs. These dynamics pose challenges for governments. International migration may help to mitigate the effects of population aging in some countries, but cannot completely compensate for it.

The goal of U.S. policy in this field is to promote healthy and educated populations. The U.S. does not endorse population 'stabilization' or 'control.' The 'ideal' family size should be determined by the desires of couples, not governments. All decisions on the number, spacing, and timing of children should be made without coercion; the U.S. strongly opposes coercive population programs. The United States, with the support of the Congress, is the world's largest donor of maternal and reproductive health assistance, providing approxi"