Has Thailand’s fertility decline stalled?

Probably the most important demographic development to occur during the last quarter century has been the onset of fertility decline in a number of third world countries. While most Sub-Saharan African countries as well as a number in the Middle East and West Asia have yet to participate in this phenomenon, fertility in countries elsewhere in Asia and in much of Latin America has started down a path towards levels far lower than have ever prevailed in their modern histories. Given that mortality declines preceded the fall in fertility, and that most of these populations have been experiencing unprecedented rapid population growth rates at levels that would lead to extraordinary numbers of people in just decades, most observers concerned with population matters view the onset of fertility decline as a logical and welcome development.