Demographic transition theory is used to describe the population of a region and to perform future estimates of population. Description of the process of a society passing through various stages is done by this theory. There are various patterns of changes taking place in the population of a nation. Every nation has to pass through these phases.
Generally, in its initial phase, a nation/society passes through rural, farmer, illiterate and backward phase and proceeds towards literate, urban, industrial and developed form. During this time, population transforms from high birth rate and high . death rate to low birth rate and low death rate. This change in population takes place in various phases, which is collectively called the demographic cycle. Demography Cycle:
Graphical representation of the stages of Demographic Transition:
- Stage 1. High birth rate and high death rate.
- Stage 2. High birth rate, high death rate but falling or declining.
- Stage 3. High birth rate and medium death rate.
- Stage 4. Medum birth rate and low death rate.
- Stage 5. Low birth rate and low death rate.
The Demographic Transition Model does not take into account of migration.