As explained in the introduction to this module, Population and Development is a difficult and often sensitive topic to teach. Fortunately, it is also a topic that teachers often know a lot about.

Test your knowledge of global population patterns and trends.

Despite the knowledge we already have, Population and Development is an area where knowledge is constantly changing. Indeed, the last century has witnessed unprecedented changes in population dynamics, living standards and other indictors of human well-being. Thus, it is very important to keep up-to-date on changing patterns and trends. The Internet sites listed at the beginning of this module are very good for this.

A key resource is the annual State of the World Population Report published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). As well as providing detailed tables and statistics, the UNFPA Report monitors key patterns and trends. Ten of the key patterns and trends in the 1999 Report indicate that:

	The world's population reached 6 billion on October 24, 1999 - and continues to grow - World population milestones - World population growth to 2050 - Population growth for the world and major areas, 1750-2050
	Death rates have been cut by half around the world
	Fertility is declining, but unevenly, around the world
	Population programmes are being successful
	Education - especially for girls and women - leads to smaller healthier families
	The world's population is ageing
	There are still more young people than ever
	The regional distribution of the world's population is changing
	The world's population is rapidly urbanising
	International migration is increasing.

Source: United Nations Population Fund.