Recent estimates from Tunisia's Planning Ministry indicate that Tunisia's rate of natural increase declined from 2.46% per year in 1960 to 1.91% in 1991. The authorities project a growth rate of 1.8% through 1996 and a regular decline thereafter to .9% by 2021. The population would thus increase from 8.2 million in 1991 to 13.1 million in 2026, by which time the population would be almost stationary. All currently available data appear to support these projections. The proportion of children under 5 in the total population has declined from 18.6% in 1966 to 13% in 1989, and, if the trend continues, it will fall to 10.5% in 10 years and 7.5% in 2026. The proportion over age 60 will increase from 7.6% in 1989 to 8% around 2000 and 13% in 2025, a proportion equivalent to that of European countries. Within a few years, the pace of construction of new schools and health and social facilities to accommodate population growth should slow. Tunisia still faces some 20 years of changing age structure before the fertility decline leads to a decline in the demand for new jobs. The proportion of Tunisians aged 15-29 will increase from under 20% and fewer than 1 million in 1966 to 30% and over 3 million in 2001. Recognition of the basic rights of women since 1956, a vigorous policy to encourage limitation of births, and slow but regular improvements in living standards have been factors in Tunisia's fertility decline.