An economic analysis of factors influencing fertility in the Pacific island countries

Factors influencing fertility rates in the developing island countries of the South Pacific are investigated using a simple model incorporating cross-country data. Empirical results obtained provide confirmation that high infant mortality is significantly associated with high fertility rates. The results also provide strong support in favour of inverse correlations of family planning, urbanisation, female education and incomes with fertility rates. Drawing on empirical results, the major policy implication states that more resources are needed to allow improvements in the status of female and infant health.