Population growth is determined by_______?

1. Analyze the question The question asks what determines population growth. In Economics and Demography, population growth depends on the components of population change.

2. Explain the concept Population change over a period is given by:

Population growth = (Births − Deaths) + (Immigrants − Emigrants)

• Births − Deaths is called natural increase.
• Immigrants − Emigrants is called net migration.

So the factors that determine population growth are fertility (birth rate), mortality (death rate), and migration.

3. Go through the options

• A. Dependency ratio: This is the ratio of dependants (children and the aged) to the working-age population. It is a result of the population structure, not a determinant of growth.
• B. Labour force: This is the part of the population able and willing to work. It is an effect of population size, not a cause of growth.
• C. Per capita: This is a measure used for averages, such as per capita income. It has nothing to do with the determinants of growth.
• D. Net migration: This is the difference between immigration and emigration. It is a direct component of the population growth equation.

4. Answer Note that birth and death rates would also be valid determinants, but they are not listed among the options.

5. Exam tip Remember the formula Births − Deaths + Net Migration. When a question asks about "determinants of population growth", look for birth rate, death rate, or migration. Terms like dependency ratio, labour force, and per capita are measures or consequences of population, not causes of its growth.