Kerala's Demographic Transition: Determinants and Consequences

Abstract

Over the past couple of decades, if not more, Kerala, a state in southern India, has drawn both international and national attention for its achievements in demographic transition with fertility reaching below replacement level and under 5 mortality comparing with most of the developed countries. In the social sector the literacy level
(both male and female) has been the highest in the country and the state has made remarkable achievements in the field of health and family planning despite the absence of corresponding buoyancy in the economic sector. A suggestion has often been made that Kerala's model should be pursued in other states in India. It is in this context that a study of Kerala's demographic transition and what lessons can be learnt from the same
becomes important.