The document discusses the demographic transition model (DTM), which predicts population growth over time based on changes in birth rates and death rates. The DTM has five stages:
1) Birth and death rates are high due to disease and lack of healthcare. No countries are in this stage today.
2) Death rates begin to decline due to improved sanitation and healthcare, while birth rates remain high. Countries like Afghanistan and Bhutan are in this stage.
3) Both birth and death rates fall as living standards rise and family planning is adopted, leading to rapid population growth. India and Bangladesh are in stage three.
4) Birth and death rates level off and become balanced as development is complete. Countries