World Development Report 1984

The World Bank
World-Devefiment Report 1984 examines poptlation change in developing coutites and its
lniks with development The Report shows why continuing rapid population growth on an
ever larger base is likely to mean a lower qualhty of life for millions of peoe. It concludes
that m some countries development may not be possible at all unless slower population
growth can be achieved soon, before higher real incomes would bnng fertility down spontaneously
The Report outlines public policies to reduce fertility that are humane and affordable
and that complement other development efforts, placing special emphasis on education
for women and increased family planning services The successful experience of many
countries in implementmg population policy, particularly in the past decade, shows how
much can be accomplished and how quickly
The Report also analyzes the underlymg causes of the 1980-83 world economic recession,
concludmg that its roots go back beyond the oil pnce rise of 1979-80 to ngidities being built
into economies from the mid-1960s onward In reviewing prospects for the next decade, the
Report concludes that sustained recovery requires economic reforms in developed and
developing countries alike, as well as concerted international action to roll back protectionism
and increase capital flows-both commercial bank lending and, especially fox lowincome
countries, concessional flows
A Population Data Supplement and multicolor maps and graphics supplement the text
The final portion of the Report comprises "World Development Indicators," 28 two-page
tables containing economic and social profiles of 126 countries
World Development Report has been published annually by the World Bank since 1978 Each
edition examines the current world economic situation and prospects as they relate to
development and offers a detailed analysis of a particular topic or sector of importance in
economic and social development
ISBN 0-19-520460-3
ISSN 0163-5085