Richard Leete presents a detailed and original analysis of the dimensions of the fertility transition that has occurred among the three major ethnic communities in Peninsular Malaysia since 1957 and among the ethnic communities in Sabah and Sarawak since 1960.

This book is by far the most comprehensive study of the multi-racial population of Peninsular Malaysia in terms of the data used and topics covered in the nine chapters and four appendices. The book demonstrates clearly the painstaking effort and skill of the author in compiling and interpreting the vast amount of data from all the available population censuses, vital registration system and administrative records. The strength of the book lies in the author's deep familiarity with the country, particularly the social and economic developments which are relevant to the study.

One of the salient features to strike the researcher doing the study on culture and fertility of the people in Peninsular Malaysia is the cultural heterogeneity of its present population. Although the Malays or "bumiputeras" (sons of the soil) were original residents, other ethnic groups, mainly the Indonesians, Chinese and Indians, have contributed to current size, composition and distribution of the population through the process of immigration in the course of history. the topical areas under the first two sections of this monograph are indeed very wide, both in time and other perspectives. As a result, we have demarcated the period prior to the impact of colonialism and the growth of plural society during the British period as points in time which have relevant demographic and cultural significance for the purposes of this paper.

Views population variables as both determinants and consequences of economic development and social progress. Deals with population trends in the process of socio-economic development within the framework of demographic transition theory. Covers the impact of population growth on development.