Comparison of population growth rates in China, Japan, and Western Europe 0-1998

Throughout the Common Era, until the 18^th century, Japan's average population growth rate was significantly higher that those of Europe or China. Japan's relative isolation meant that it was not subjected to the same devastating pandemics during this period (especially plague), which caused regular spikes in mortality across Eurasia. During the period between 1700 and 1850, China and Western Europe's growth rates rose significantly due to improvements in food supply, water treatment, and more infrequent pandemics; as well as the spread of vaccination in Europe. In the late-19^th and 20^th centuries, population growth was high in all three regions, due to the onset of the demographic transition.