Population Growth

Definition

Population growth refers to the increase in the number of individuals in a population over time due to births and immigration, minus deaths and emigration.

Analogy

Think of population growth as filling up a water bottle with holes at different rates. If water is pouring into the bottle faster than it's leaking out, then the water level rises. Similarly, if more individuals are being born or moving into an area than those dying or leaving, then the population grows.

Related terms

Carrying Capacity: The maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustainably support.

Exponential Growth: Rapid population growth where each generation is larger than the previous one.

Demographics: Statistical data about populations including age distribution and birth rates.