The annual population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage . Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of citizenship or legal status.
Population growth is relevant as it speaks to how fast a population is changing, what the age profile of the population is, and gives clues to the age-dependency ratio. A fast growing population also means pressure on the food system to continue increasing supply to meet the demands of a larger population.