October 20, 2006: The birth of one human being in today's overpopulated world is normally nothing noteworthy. This week was an exception, though, as the population of the United States of America reached the 300 million mark.

The United States currently has the third highest population in the world, following the People's Republic of China and India. America's population growth is the result of immigration and a higher birth rate than in Western Europe. Every 11 seconds America adds a new citizen. The trend in nearly all industrialized countries is just the opposite. In terms of its birth rate, for example, Germany, ranks 185th out of 190 countries.

A comparison of population trends in Europe and the United States reveals some striking differences and changes. Just some 50 years ago there were only half as many Americans (150 million) as Western Europeans (300 million). In another 50 years it could well be the case that this numerical relationship will have been completely reversed. America's population growth also ensures a growing domestic market, an important factor for a country whose economy relies on imports for less than 10 percent of its total economic output. Europe's shrinking population lessens domestic demand and makes Europe more dependent on exports. One third of Germany's economic output is tied directly to exports.

Western Europe and the United States are drifting apart, and the population growth rate in both regions reflects a changing societal structure. More and more tax revenue in Western Europe will be needed to fund pension systems and healthcare for an aging population. By contrast, America's birth rate ensures a continual rejuvenation of its society. The British weekly "The Economist" predicts that in a few decades the average age of an American will be some 36 years, compared to an average age for a European of 52 years.

An aging society tends to want to preserve its status quo, while a younger society is generally more willing to take risks. Is it possible that, to some extent, the recent drift between European and American interests – Iraq, trade disputes and environmental protection issues – is a reflection of the age difference and the corresponding outlook on life between European and American society?

How will Europe be able to defend its interests vis-a-vis a growing United States of America in the future? Some adjustment in population growth appears to be needed, either by promoting more children being born, or by expansion of immigration and even extending the European Union further eastward. Turkey's birth rate, for example, is more than double that of Germany.