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In Stage 3 of the demographic transition model, the following characteristics are typically observed:
1. Declining Birth Rates: Birth rates start to decline, leading to a slower rate of population growth. This decline in birth rates is often associated with factors such as increased access to contraception, changes in societal attitudes toward family size, and greater educational and employment opportunities for women.
2. Stabilizing Death Rates: Death rates continue to decline, but they stabilize or decline at a slower rate than in Stage 2. Advances in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition contribute to a more gradual decline in mortality.
3. Population Growth Continues: Despite declining birth rates, the population continues to grow due to a higher proportion of young people in the population pyramid. The base of the pyramid remains relatively wide, representing a large youth population.
4. Changing Age Structure: The age structure of the population shifts as the birth rate decreases. There is a move toward a more balanced age distribution, with a decreasing proportion of young dependents relative to the working-age population.
5. Increasing Life Expectancy: Life expectancy continues to increase, reflecting ongoing improvements in healthcare and living conditions.
These characteristics signify a transition from high birth and death rates (typical of Stage 2) to lower birth and death rates, resulting in a more moderate and sustainable rate of population growth. The demographic transition model provides a framework for understanding how population dynamics change over time in response to social, economic, and technological developments.