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Difference Between Birth Rate and Death Rate

Last Updated : 17 Oct, 2023
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Birth rate and death rates are the two-population demographic indicators. The value obtained by the number of births to 1000 people in a year is known as the birth rate. The death rate is the number of deaths that occurred during the year per 1000 people. Both are essential rates that are used to determine population growth. Let us know further in detail about these two.

Difference-Between-Birth-Rate-and-Death-Rate

Birth rate vs Death Rate

Birth Rate

The birth rate is obtained value of the number of lives to the thousand people in a year. It is also called the crude birth rate (CBR). The rate is measured for new births added to the 1000 people for a year. This can be easily calculated by dividing of the number live births in a year by the overall population. This result which is obtained is multiplied by 1000.

Characteristics of Birth Rate

Important characteristics of birth rate are:

  1. The fertility rates are related to family size and age distribution which influence on birth rate.
  2. The birth rate is greater in developing countries as compared to developed countries.
  3. Population growth can be affected by birth rate and dependency ratio, and healthcare needs and workforce dynamics could be impacted.
  4. Education levels, economic situations, and government policies will be influenced by the birth rate.
  5. It is a crucial indicator for a better understanding of population trends and helps in making decisions for social and economic development.

Death Rate

The death rate is obtained value of the number of deaths to a thousand people in a year. It is also called the crude death rate (CDR). The rate is measured where new deaths are added to the existing population. The death rate is commonly calculated by dividing the number of deaths in year by overall population. The result obtained is multiplied by 1000.

Characteristics of Death Rate

Important characteristics of death rate are:

  1. Healthcare conditions, disease prevalence, access to sanitization and clean water, and overall living conditions are the factors influenced by the death rate.
  2. It can be higher in countries with poor healthcare conditions and lower life expectancy.
  3. The death rate will mostly impact population growth and result in the health and well-being of the population.
  4. Medical advancements, disease outbreaks, socioeconomic factors, and natural disasters are also influenced by the death rate.
  5. It will be helpful in getting information about the public health need, healthcare resources, and improving methods for disease prevention.

Difference Between Birth Rate and Death Rate

Characteristics Birth Rate Death Rate
Meaning The births per 1000 people is considered as birth rate. The deaths per 1,000 people is considered as death rate.
Calculation (Number of births ÷ Total population) × 1,000 (Number of deaths ÷ Total population) × 1,000
Indicator Reflects population growth Reflects population decline
Factors influencing Fertility rates, age structure, healthcare, socio-economic conditions Mortality rates, age structure, healthcare, disease prevalence
Impact on population Increases population size Decreases population size
Measure of demographic change Positive growth indicator Negative growth indicator
Government policies May influence family planning initiatives, maternity benefits, etc. May focus on healthcare improvements, disease prevention, etc.
Importance Significant for economic planning, resource allocation, and social services Significant for healthcare planning, public health interventions, and epidemiological analysis
Global trends Varies among countries and regions Varies among countries and regions
Data source Vital registration systems, census data Vital registration systems, census data

Conclusion

In summary, birth rate and death rates are the two-population demographic indicators. The value obtained by the number of births to a 1000 people in the span of year is known as birth rate. The death rate is number deaths that occurred during the year per 1000 people. Both are important rates which are used to determine the population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the birth rate?

The birth rate is obtained value of the number of lives to the thousand people in a year. It is also called the crude birth rate (CBR).

Write the factors influencing the death rate.

Mortality rates, age structure, healthcare, disease prevalence.

What is the death rate?

The death rate is obtained value of the number of deaths to the thousand people in a year. It is also called the crude death rate (CDR).

How is birth date calculated?

(Number of births ÷ Total population) × 1,000

Write the importance of the death rate.

Significant for healthcare planning, public health interventions, and epidemiological analysis.


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