What defines stage four of the demographic transition model?

Stage four of the demographic transition model is characterized by both low birth rates and low death rates. During this stage, a country typically experiences stability in population growth, as the number of births is roughly equal to the number of deaths. This situation often arises in developed countries where access to education, healthcare, and family planning results in fewer children being born. Additionally, improvements in living standards and healthcare contribute to lower mortality rates.

The demographic transition model illustrates how countries evolve from high birth and death rates to low rates, ultimately reflecting changes in economic and social factors through various stages. In stage four, the balance of low birth and death rates supports a stable population size, unlike earlier stages where either high birth or high death rates led to significant fluctuations in population.