Final answer:
The greatest population growth rate in the coming decades is expected in the developing regions of Africa and Asia, influenced by high fertility rates, limited birth control access, and cultural factors. Developed regions, on the other hand, are seeing stable or declining populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The population growth rate is expected to be greatest in the coming decades in the less economically developed countries of Africa and Asia. The United Nations Population Fund (2008) projects that population growth will triple by 2100 in high-fertility countries, predominantly found in sub-Saharan Africa. Factors contributing to this increase include limited access to birth control, lack of female education, and cultural norms that promote higher fertility rates. In contrast, many developed regions like Europe and North America are experiencing stable or declining populations. Additionally, countries with the highest population counts, such as China and India, contribute significantly to the population increase in Asia, but growth rates in these countries are stabilizing.
As urbanization continues, birth rates and family size are decreasing in most developing countries. Nevertheless, the overall demographic trend indicates that the highest population growth rates will continue to be in the developing regions of Africa and Asia for the foreseeable future. It is also noted that some regions in Africa or Central Asia may face challenges such as desertification, which could impact urban growth patterns, particularly in areas like the Middle East and West Africa where urban growth is currently significant.