Half a century of unparalleled demographic change: The Asia-Pacific experience

The past 50 years of demographic change in Asia and the Pacific is without historic parallel, altering the region’s demographic landscape forever. What makes the change so striking is the rapid and unparalleled pace at which it has occurred. The change has been accompanied by significant developments in the economic, social, cultural and political fabric of the countries in the region. The process that began half a century ago continues to grip more countries and population groups of Asia and the Pacific and brings with it inevitable and significant development challenges for the future.