Demographics

Population Growth Rate

Definition

The annual percentage change in a country's total population, including births, deaths, and net migration.

Explanation

Population growth is driven by the balance of births minus deaths (natural increase) plus net migration. Many developed countries have near-zero or negative natural growth, sustained only by immigration. The fastest-growing populations are in sub-Saharan Africa, while Eastern European and East Asian countries are shrinking.

See Current Data

Explore population growth rate data for all 218 countries with interactive charts and historical trends.

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