The rate of natural increase (RNI) is a demographic measure representing the difference between the crude birth rate and the crude death rate of a population within a specific time period, typically a year. It is expressed as a percentage. For example, a crude birth rate of 20 per 1,000 individuals and a crude death rate of 5 per 1,000 individuals results in a rate of natural increase of 1.5% (calculated as (20 – 5) / 1000 * 100). This percentage doesn’t account for migration.
Understanding population growth is essential for effective resource allocation, urban planning, and policy development. This metric serves as a valuable indicator of societal health, reflecting factors such as access to healthcare, sanitation, and socioeconomic stability. Historically, variations in mortality and fertility have driven significant shifts in population size, impacting everything from economic productivity to environmental sustainability. Therefore, accurate calculation and interpretation of this growth measure are crucial for informed decision-making at various levels of governance.