Is population growth the most important factor for economic development? Why?

Answer 1

If that statement was true, every single nation with a population growing would be developed. We know that is far from true.

Economic development is actually a complicated definition, as it includes "well being" of population and that might differ among economists. It is generally accepted however that Economic development comprehends economic growth, generation of wealth, transitioning from an agricultural economy into an industrial based on knowledge-economy, access to technology, etc.

In developed countries, population growth is less important than having access to education, health care and technology.

In developing countries we observe populations growing but with poor to no access to education and other resources, so poverty multiplies as population grows.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Not exactly. One can cite India as a nation where most of its over billion population lived in abject poverty. At last, the middle class is on the ascending side, but that is due to more opportunity for those who are tech savvy! China struggled with abject poverty for years itself, and with the Great Leap Forward during the time under Chairman Mao and his "cultural revolution," it almost passed the point of no return. More people does not mean more prosperity. Good planning with any kind of population level does much more for economic development. Government cannot create jobs, but wealth can and does. WIthout wealthy investors there are no real jobs and no real chance to form a burgeoning middle class. By keeping taxes as low as possible for corporations and individuals, everyone has the impetus to spend more, invest more, reach for the stars more, despite a large or small population. One more thing to note is this, Europe was once an overpopulated place with little mobility under the feudal system, but then the black death struck, killing off 2/3 of the European populace. Suddenly Europe found itself with a leisure class that uncovered the wisdom of the ancient Greeks and Romans and developed science and art so that Europe underwent a rebirth, a renaissance, and all thanks to the triple decimation of the population, compliments of the massive, all-pervading plague.