World Population Facts

Thu., Aug. 18, 1994

Source: From The 1994 State Of W

POPULATION. Africa is the fastest-growing region of the world with a 2.9 percent annual population growth rate. Asia and Latin America are next with growth rates of about 1.8 percent. North America has a growth rate of about 1.1 percent, the former Soviet Union 0.5 percent and Europe 0.3 percent.

ABORTION. Of the 189 countries in the world, 173 allow abortion if the life of the mother is threatened. Abortion is allowed in 119 if the mother’s health is at risk. Abortion for any reason is allowed in 45 countries.

MARRIAGE. Fifty percent of girls aged 15 to 19 are married in most Third World countries. In Africa, 60 percent of births occur to mothers under age 20.

HEALTH. By 1990, 75 percent of the world’s population had access to safe water and 71 percent had sanitation services.

LITERACY. Of the 960 million illiterate adults, two-thirds are women.

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World Population Facts

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