The rural population of Asia is expected to reach a peak of 2.4 billion around 2015 and to decline steadily thereafter, though in many countries rural populations have been declining for decades. Rural-urban migration, related to the shift in the structure of employment, has been the key reason for slowing rural population growth, though fertility declines are assuming ever greater importance. The age structure of rural populations differs from that of urban populations, with the population aged 15–29 and to a lesser extent aged 30–49 being under-represented. Rural populations are less educated, in poorer health, and with a higher incidence of poverty than urban populations. The share of agriculture in employment in rural areas closer to cities tends to be lower because of more diversified employment opportunities in these areas, and the chance of commuting. But throughout the rural areas of Asia, conditions of life have changed dramatically in recent decades with electrification and the spread of transport and communications facilities.