La población de México: Evolución y dilemas

This fine, readable book is a successful attempt to make accessible to the Mexican general public the most recent information on Mexican demography. Specialists will find it useful as well. Replete with helpful and understandable charts and graphs, it furnishes descriptive and statistical data on the evolution of Mexico’s population from pre-Columbian times to 1976. Unsurprisingly, the book is strongest when dealing with the period 1920 to 1970. Professor Alba concisely discusses the bases of Mexico’s population boom, thoughtfully placing it in historical and societal context. He evenhandedly examines the impact of the boom and the possible repercussions of its continuation. He concludes that Mexico cannot solve its population dilemma solely through such measures as family planning, but instead must incorporate these into a comprehensive, long-range plan of economic, social, and political development. Toward this end, the government must make difficult decisions soon or risk widespread unrest.