The World of Child 6 Billion
BACKGROUND

Child 6 Billion might have been born in the U.S. or another economically advanced country. But because 98 percent of world growth is now occurring in countries that are economically developing, chances are Child 6 Billion was born in one of these countries. (Statistically Child 6 Billion is more likely to be a boy than a girl because more boys are born than girls; worldwide about 106 boys are born for every 100 girls.)

The United States spends less than one-half of 1 percent of its federal budget on foreign aid. Still, our investment in international development yields important benefits. When people's needs are met there are fewer conflicts. Putting money toward development makes the world, including the U.S., more safe and secure. Investing in other countries is also good economics for the U.S.; expanding markets abroad creates export markets for the U.S. Also, helping people simply reflects basic human values. A healthy community � in this case, the world community � fosters well-being and prosperity for all.

Child 6 Billion was 49 times more likely to be born in an economically developing country than an economically developed one. The term "economically developing countries" refers to the countries that the United Nations considers to be located in "less developed regions." These regions include all regions of Africa, Asia (except Japan), Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania (except Australia and New Zealand). Industrialized, or more economically developed, countries include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, the U.S., and all the countries of Europe, including the former Soviet republics.

Source: 1750 to 1949, PRB; 1950 to 2150, United Nations, World Population Projections to 2150 (February 1998).