Population Regulation in an Island Community

The biodemographic dynamics of a small Bahamian island are explored historically through the analysis of religious documents, censuses, vital statistics records, and computerized anthropological survey data on 84% of the current residents. In contrast to the Caribbean area in general, population size of Bimini, Bahamas has stabilized since 1963. While completed fertility (women over 40) is relatively high, various biosocial factors are contributing to population regulation on Bimini including falling natality rates, increasing availability and usage of contraceptives, comparatively late onset of menstruation and delayed marriage, extensive emigration, pronounced childhood mortality, and other aspects of the island's rapidly changing demographic structure. The present evidence suggests that the current trend of population stabilization and regulation is likely to continue for some time in the future.