Population Studies and Demographic Analysis

Demography and Population Studies

Demography is the study of human populations, their size, composition, and development.

Methods of Study

• Demographic data collection
• Demographic analysis
• Causal research

Sources of Information

• The census
• The municipal register
• Civil registration
• Population surveys

Demographic Dynamics

Demographic dynamics refer to population trends over time and the mechanisms involved in amending static demography (fertility, mortality, and migration changes). Demography studies the size, geographical distribution, and composition of a population, its variations, and the causes involved in such variations (the ratio of population status and future developments).

Demographics and Static Demography

Demographics is the science which studies the geographical distribution and composition of a population, its variations, and the causes involved in these variations. It identifies sources of renewal or demographic variables such as mortality, fertility, and migration.

Static demographics refers to the population at a given time, focusing on dimension, area, and structure.

Defining Population

A population is a set of individuals existing at a given time, defined by membership criteria and variables such as age, sex, marital status, occupation, and education level.

The Census

A census is a periodic, direct, and simultaneous nominal counting of the population and the registration of the most important characteristics of each individual.

Components of the Census

The census includes:

• Population structure and spatial distribution
• Education level
• Socioeconomic structure
• Displacement and migration
• Fertility
• Foreign population

Regarding census errors, we can highlight the omission of persons and the declaration of age in the socioeconomic characteristics of the population.

Types of Census

• Census de facto
• Census de jure

The Municipal Register

The register (Padrón) is an administrative document and municipal liability subject to continuous renewal (every year). The municipal register is the administrative record maintained by the municipality. Its data provide evidence of residence in the municipality and habitual residence within the same.

Civil Registration and Surveys

Civil registration is dependent on the Ministry of Justice, registering facts concerning the civil status of persons.

Demographic surveys involve the collection of information for each individual, used as a source of data for demographic analysis regarding changes in the population. They may be isolated or continuous.

Demographic Indicators

• Index or sex ratio: IM = number of males / number of women
• Index of regular ages (IRE)