Rapid population growth can hinder economic development. When the population grows quickly, it may outpace the rate of economic growth, making resources scarce and limiting job opportunities. The demand for goods and services may exceed the available supply, leading to inflation, which can reduce people's purchasing power. Moreover, rapid population growth may put pressure on the government to provide essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which can be costly and difficult to provide to a large population. All these factors can impede economic development and limit the country's potential for growth.