31.   In much of South Asia, high fertility rates often reflect the kind of contraception that is available.

32.   Increased use of contraceptives, delayed marriages and a rise in death rates in many countries contributed to lower fertility rates, the report said.

33.   It is the countries with sharp declines in fertility rates, Russia, Western Europe, and Japan, that will find themselves left behind.

34.   Israel can more easily accommodate the differential in Jewish and Arab fertility rates within Israel proper, but not outside.

35.   It said the decline in fertility rates was due to increased use of contraceptives, delayed marriages and a rise in death rates in many countries.

36.   Meanwhile, fertility rates are among the highest in Southeast Asia.

37.   Most of the drop in worldwide total fertility rate was caused by significant birthrate declines in Latin America and Asia, Fornos said.

38.   Much of the increase is the result of high fertility rates among Mexican-Americans, particularly recent immigrants.

39.   The fertility rate drops further.

40.   The falling total fertility rate has led some scholars to argue that the threat of a world population explosion may have ended.