What do we now know about the future capacity of the Earth to support humankind? How do experts approach the wide range of economic, demographic, and environmental issues affected by population rates? The publication of the first edition of offered the first accessible introduction to this vital field of study. Now ABC-CLIO presents a thoroughly updated new edition, incorporating a wealth of new research and data to explore population issues affecting countries all over the world. Readers will see how everything from plagues and famines, to disease control and contraception, to economic development and landmark judicial decisions have influenced population patterns. The work also features two new chapters; an updated timeline of key events relating to global population putting the issue into long-term perspective; and biographies of key individuals to put a human face on the study of population.