Demography in MexicoThe gain before the pain

The EconomistBy: Hallie Ervin

Less Babies, More GrandparentsSince the 1960’s where Mexican women

would have 7 children each, (on average), are now having 2.4 (on average), and this rate is expected to drop below 2 before 2020.

And in the 1960’s people did not live beyond the age of 50 or so, but now the life expectancy is 77.

This is changing the demographics from being a young people’s country to now having a large retired community.

The ChangeThe rapid population growth of the 1960’s

was encouraged by the government, but in the 1970’s infant mortality rates dropped, removing the need for “spare” children.

Now a-days, abortion is illegal in most of the country, and 40% of married women are sterilized.

Because of the drop in birth rate, the dependency ratio has improved, however it will rise again in a decade.

But even with this low birth rate, Mexico’s population is expected to grow 57% from 2000-2025.

The ProblemsOnce the dependency ratio begins to rise

again, Mexico will require a new and improved welfare net for the older, retired generation that will require assistance in old age. Without any legislation being submitted to prepare for the rise of the dependency ratio, the government will be ill-equipped to help its people.