Which region currently has the highest natural increase rate (NIR)?

• A. Sub-Saharan Africa
• B. North America
• C. Western Europe
• D. East Asia

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the Natural Increase Rate (NIR) is the difference between the crude birth rate (CBR) and the crude death rate (CDR) of a region, usually expressed as a percentage or per 1,000 people. The formula is: \[\text{NIR} = \text{CBR} - \text{CDR}\]
2. Recall that regions with higher birth rates and lower death rates tend to have higher NIRs, indicating faster population growth due to natural causes (excluding migration).
3. Consider demographic and economic factors influencing birth and death rates in each region: Sub-Saharan Africa typically has high birth rates and declining death rates, leading to a high NIR; North America and Western Europe generally have lower birth rates and low death rates, resulting in lower or even negative NIRs; East Asia varies but often has moderate to low birth rates.
4. Compare the typical NIR values for each region based on demographic data or knowledge: Sub-Saharan Africa usually has the highest NIR among the options due to its demographic profile.
5. Conclude that the region with the highest natural increase rate is Sub-Saharan Africa, as it has the largest gap between birth and death rates leading to rapid natural population growth.