Trending STRUCTURAL FORCES 2000-2020 POPULATION 2020-2040 DEMOGRAPHICS AND Growth HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AGE STRUCTURE Key Takeaways Median age Slowing population growth and a rising global median age are presenting poten- Working age tial economic opportunities for some developing economies, but rapidly aging share of population and contracting populations in some developed economies and China will weigh on economic growth. Share of population over 65 Relatively poor countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia will account for al- most all global population growth during the next two decades and will be rapidly urbanizing at the same time, most likely overwhelming their capacity to provide POOR the infrastructure and education systems necessary to fully harness their econom- ic growth potential. Poor share of population During the next two decades, demographic shifts and economic incentives are likely to increase pressure for migration out of developing countries, mostly from Sub-Saharan Africa, and primarily into aging, developed countries. Con昀氀ict and MIDDLE CLASS climate disruptions will compound these broader migration trends. These demographic and human development trends will put pressure on gov- Middle-class share of population ernments to increase public investment and control immigration, potentially fuel instability in some countries, contribute to a rising Asia, and add to the agenda of already strained international development institutions. URBANIZATION Urban share of population Share of urban population in poor countries 16 Photo / Bigstock