RESUMO
Analyses the population structure and characteristics from as far back as 1844 when the first census was taken at which time 29,650 persons were enumerated. An overview of the population structure from 1844-1921 suggests a combination of rising fertility and falling mortality which led to a high rate of natural increase. Between 1921 and 1946 the population grew by 30,132 persons. Later, however, the fall in both fertility and motality led to a fall in the rate of natural increase in the 1960's and 1970's which was further aggravated by heavy migration. Projections for the future are made based upon a number of scenarios which juxtaposed the three demographic variables: fertility, mortality and migration. Concludes that if present demographic behaviour is uncurtailed, population growth will end, and even if net migration declines, growth should not be an insurmountable problem
