Distinguish Between Population Growth and Population Change

• Definition: Population Growth refers strictly to the change in the number of inhabitants of a country or territory during a specific period of time (e.g., during the last 10 years).
• Nature: It is a quantitative concept. It simply tells you whether the total number of people has increased or decreased.
• How is it expressed?: It can be expressed in two ways:
  1. Absolute Numbers: The magnitude of increase. (e.g., India's population increased by 181 million between 2001 and 2011).
  2. Annual Growth Rate: The percentage of increase per year. (e.g., The population is growing at 1.64% per year).
• Factors: It is primarily calculated by looking at the natural increase: (Births minus Deaths).

• Definition: Population Change is a much broader concept. It refers to the change in the total number of people, AND the change in their composition and distribution across the country.
• Nature: It is a dynamic concept that looks at the 'why' and 'where' people are moving, not just the total math.
• The Three Main Components: Population change is driven by exactly three processes:
  1. Birth Rate: Number of live births per 1000 people.
  2. Death Rate: Number of deaths per 1000 people.
  3. Migration: The movement of people across regions (Internal migration within the country, or International migration).

To put it simply: Population Growth is just the final mathematical difference in the total headcount. Population Change is the entire biological and social process (births, deaths, and migration) that caused that growth or decline.