Annual population growth

Definition

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.

Relevance

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.