Originally published in 1956, this book considers the practical problems of economic development in countries in which the prevailing outlook and a recent or probable increase in population growth make it difficult to escape from a 'Malthusian situation.' This book develops a valuable analytical apparatus with which it then examines the problems of capital formation, investment, economies of scale and the effective supply of labour, all in relation to population growth. Social, institutional and cultural factors are integrated with the economic.