Twenty-five years of transition in Asia’s population and development: A review of progress and potential

The Asian and Pacific region is in the midst of profound transformation, and the process that accelerated since the middle of the twentieth century has had impacts on every facet of human life. Unprecedented growth in population has been recorded during this period, a trend that will continue well into the twenty-first century, albeit at a declining pace. The region, especially since the 1980s, has also seen rapid economic growth and social progress, despite concerns raised by many that population growth would impede development and progress. Yet, change has not been uniform, and a number of factors account for the extreme diversity that exists today among countries and population groups. Still, despite significant challenges, there is promise that the rapid transformation heralds a future that is far more promising than what appeared a mere half century ago.