What is the expected trend in a country's birth and death rates during stage four of the demographic transition?

In stage four of the demographic transition model, countries typically experience both low birth rates and low death rates. This stage is characterized by a mature economy, increased access to healthcare, education, and family planning, leading to a decline in birth rates due to changing societal norms and preferences for smaller families.

At the same time, health advancements and improvements in living conditions contribute to lower death rates as the population enjoys increased longevity and a reduced incidence of disease and mortality. As a result, the population growth tends to stabilize, often reflecting slow growth or even a slight decline in some cases.

This understanding aligns with the overall patterns observed in many developed countries, where stage four has been largely indicative of their demographic profiles. Thus, the characteristics of both low birth and death rates in this stage reflect a well-developed nation navigating through advanced socio-economic factors influencing its population dynamics.