Essential Demographic Terms: Population Dynamics & Rates

Key Definitions in Population Demography

Census of Population

A periodic registration and publication of demographic, social, cultural, and economic data for the entire population. In Spain, the first census was drafted in 1857, and since 1900, it has been executed every 10 years.

Natural Growth (Vegetative Growth)

The difference between the number of births and deaths occurring in a specific country or region. Natural increase is positive if births exceed deaths, and negative otherwise.

Real Growth

The relationship between the effects of natural increase and the net migration of a population over a given period.

Life Expectancy

The average number of years a person is expected to live in a specific country, often determined based on socioeconomic characteristics and calculated for a specific year.

Total Fertility Rate

Also known as the Total Fertility Ratio, this refers to the number of live births in a year relative to the number of women of childbearing age (typically 15-49).

Infant Mortality

The number of deaths among the population under one year of age in a specific year.

Population of Law (Población de Derecho)

The total number of residents (present and absent) registered in a municipality's census or Padrón at the time of registration.

De Facto Population (Población de Hecho)

The total number of present residents and temporary visitors in a municipality at the time of the census, including foreigners and working relatives.

Mortality Rate (Crude Death Rate)

The number of deaths occurring in a year within a territory, calculated per thousand inhabitants. It is considered high if over 35 per thousand (‰) and low if less than 15 per thousand (‰). This rate is determined by the average age of the population, the degree of hygiene, and health standards.

Birth Rate (Crude Birth Rate)

The number of births occurring in a year within a territory, calculated per thousand inhabitants. It is considered high if over 30 per thousand (‰) and low if under 15 per thousand (‰). The birth rate depends on factors such as:

• The number of women of childbearing age.
• Social behavior and norms.
• Marriage patterns.

Demographic Transition

A model explaining population evolution and growth resulting from the modernization process in birth and mortality patterns.

Immigration

The arrival of people from another territory. A person arriving from outside to a place is called an immigrant.

Rural Exodus

Massive migration of the population from rural areas to urban and industrial areas, leading to the depopulation of the countryside and subsequent demographic aging.

Pendulous Relocations (Commuting)

Regular, back-and-forth movements (daily or weekly) made by people traveling between their residence and destinations such as work or school.

Working Population

All persons of legal working age who are willing and able to work.

Net Migration

The difference between the number of immigrants and emigrants in a specific place and time.

Emigration

The transfer of population from one site to another. A person moving away from their place of residence is called an emigrant.