West European Population Change

Overview

The 1970s was a decade of significant population change in Western Europe. Originally published in 1986, this book reviews the major trends: fertility decline, counter-urbanisation and the cessation of international labour migration from outside the former EEC. It was the first volume to compare the results of the 1980-82 European census round, and emphasizes the spatial dimension of recent population trends.

Methodology and Data Challenges

For countries such as the former West Germany where no census was taken, the difficulties of using registration data are examined. One of the major strengths of the volume is the set of standardised topics which are reviewed by the authors in each country allowing international comparisons to be made from the country case studies.

Conclusion and Future Trends

The book concludes with an overview of future trends in European population towards the year 2000.