Consequently, while in
Singapore and Thailand the share of people below 15 years is around 20
per cent and declining, in other countries in the region it is in the 25
to 45 per cent range and generally growing. How these rates translate
into absolute numbers depends on the population of various countries,
especially since population distribution in South-East Asia is very
unequal. The least populated country in the region, Brunei Darussalam,
is expected to grow from 400,000 people in 2008 to 600,000 people in
2050, while Indonesia, the most populous country in the region and the
fourth most populous country in the world, is projected to increase from
239 million in 2008 to 341 million in 2050 (PRB, 2008). In terms of population
below 15 years of age, and thus potential future contraceptive
users, even if their share in both countries is around 30 per cent, Brunei
Darussalam would account for about 120,000 while Indonesia for more
than 69 million contraceptive users.