In which stage of demographic transition does fertility remain high while mortality declines?

The early expanding stage of demographic transition is characterized by a notable decline in mortality rates, particularly infant and child mortality, while fertility rates remain high. This stage often follows a period of high stationary conditions where both birth and death rates are elevated. As improved healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition lead to lower mortality rates, populations begin to grow significantly, as families continue to have a larger number of children.

During this phase, societies often experience a demographic shift where the population increases rapidly due to the gap that opens up between high birth rates and decreasing death rates. This setting can lead to challenges such as managing resources and providing for the growing population, which are common in regions experiencing this demographic change.

The other stages do not fit this description: the high stationary stage shows both high birth and death rates, while in the late expanding stage, fertility rates begin to decline alongside continued low mortality rates. The low stationary stage features both low birth and low death rates, indicating a different demographic scenario altogether.