This paper investigates the effect of an exogenous demographic transition on democracy. As
possible channels through which this influence makes an impact education and per capita income
and to a lesser degree urbanization were identified. These interdependencies were tested
using pooled ordinary least squares as well as fixed effects models on the basis of panel data.
In conclusion the demographic transition affects democracy through the aforementioned channels
primarily in poor countries that have experienced their demographic transition and subsequent
democratization in the second half of the 20th century or later.
