Why might different countries be at various stages of demographic transition?

Different countries experience various stages of demographic transition largely due to levels of technological development and healthcare access. The demographic transition model describes the shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops economically.

As countries advance technologically, they typically see improvements in healthcare. Enhanced medical care leads to lower mortality rates, especially in infants and children, as diseases that once caused high death rates are managed or eradicated. Improved healthcare also contributes to longer life expectancy, further influencing population growth.

Additionally, technological development often correlates with economic advancement, which can lead to changes in societal structure and family planning practices. In more developed countries, there is often a trend towards smaller family sizes as women pursue education and careers, leading to lower birth rates. In contrast, less developed countries may still be in the earlier stages of the demographic transition where both birth and death rates remain high due to limited access to healthcare and lower levels of technological infrastructure that hinder economic growth.

Thus, as countries progress in terms of healthcare access and technological advancements, they transition through the demographic stages, explaining the differences observed across various nations.