Overall population growth rates are most likely to be highest when the median age of a population is __________, and a country is in stage __________ of the demographic transition.
younger, 4 older, 3 older, 1 younger, 2
Overall population growth rates are most likely to be highest when the median age of a population is younger, and a country is in stage 1 of the demographic transition.
In stage 1, birth rates are high and death rates are also high, leading to a stable population. However, as a country transitions to stage 2, improvements in healthcare and sanitation lead to lower death rates while birth rates remain high, resulting in rapid population growth. Therefore, the correct answer is:
younger, 1.
However, since this option is not provided, the closest correct answer based on the options given would be younger, 2, as stage 2 is characterized by high birth rates and declining death rates, leading to significant population growth.