The link between rapid population growth and the absolute poverty which currently afflicts 780 million people in developing countries (excluding China and other centrally planned economies) is examined. As a result of rapid population growth, many countries suffer slow per capita income growth, a lack of progress in reducing income inequality, and more poverty. Conversely, many characteristics of poverty, e.g., high infant mortality, lack of education for women, and inaccessibility of family planning, can cause high fertility. Experience in many countries shows, however, that birth rates can fall rapidly in low-income groups when basic health care, education, and low-cost or free family planning services are made widely available. Assuming that annual population growth averages 2.2 percent for 1975-2000 and total income growth rises to 6.2 percent per year, the numbers of poor people are projected to decline to 600 million in 2000. But slower than expected economic growth in the 1980's could raise the number, unless special efforts are made to ensure more equitable income distribtion and improvements in services to the poor in developing countries. (RM)