The book investigates the evolving landscape of global population policies and their underlying demographic, social, and economic contexts. It offers a comprehensive review of population policies and dynamics across 194 Member States and other available countries, tracing the shifts in governmental perspectives on population growth, fertility, family planning, health, mortality, international migration, and spatial distribution from the 1970s through 2003. The analysis is presented on a country-by-country basis, detailing the evolution of these views and policies over nearly three decades.

This publication serves as a vital statistical and analytical resource for understanding global population trends and policy shifts. It provides a structured overview of governmental approaches to demographic challenges over several decades, making it a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers, and international organizations. The detailed country-specific data allows for comparative analysis and the identification of evolving national strategies. The book's strength lies in its systematic compilation of information on key population indicators and policy stances.