It was educational to meet leaders of Mali, Niger, Benin and Chad at a world conference in Ottawa in 1981. They had all been sponsored by the Government of Canada and were fluent in both French and English. What they had in common were societies living in poverty and with exploding populations.
Nigeria: A nation with an exploding population, Nigeria faces enormous pressures to feed, clothe and house its people.
A nation with an exploding population, Nigeria faces enormous pressures to feed, clothe and house its people. And to makes its problems more difficult, its educated professional class wants to emigrate. Lots of illegal immigrants have found a route to Italy via Libya.
USA: The third largest nation in terms of population, with 331 million citizens today and projected to grow to 404 million over the next 40 years.
The third largest nation in terms of population, with 331 million citizens today and projected to grow to 404 million over the next 40 years. A nation that takes in anywhere from one to two million immigrants. But a nation cursed with illegal immigration.
Canada: A population of 37.6 million that could double in the next 40 years. But its all due to immigration.
A population of 37.6 million that could double in the next 40 years. But its all due to immigration. A nation that could handle 100 million by 2100. Birth rates are weak like all developed nations, but a haven for new Canadians.
Brazil: An exciting but dangerous nation. Samba music and high crime rates. 6.3 children per female 60 years ago and 1.7 today.
An exciting but dangerous nation. Samba music and high crime rates. 6.3 children per female 60 years ago and 1.7 today. Massive immigration from Portugal, Spain, Germany and Italy in the past. 213.4 million people today and growing by 1.5 million per year. But then into decline after 2050 with a population of only 164 million by 2100.
Thailand: Like so many developed nations of Europe, Thailand is experiencing long-term population decline.
Like so many developed nations of Europe, Thailand is experiencing long-term population decline with the typical pattern of low birthrates and low mortality, yet a reluctance to open its borders to people from the neighbouring countries of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
The Issues: During the 1980’s I received several private briefings from the Canadian Government Department of Manpower and Immigration. It was an eye-opener.
During the 1980’s I received several private briefings from the Canadian Government Department of Manpower and Immigration. It was an eye-opener.
