The death rate, also known as the crude death rate, is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. It is a fundamental demographic indicator that measures the mortality level of a population. The crude death rate is calculated by dividing the total number of deaths recorded in a year by the total population (usually the mid-year population estimate) and then multiplying the result by 1,000. This rate is influenced by various factors, including the age structure of the population (a population with a larger proportion of elderly individuals will typically have a higher death rate), the prevalence of diseases, levels of healthcare and sanitation, nutritional standards, environmental conditions, and socioeconomic factors. A high death rate can indicate a population facing health crises, poverty, or a large elderly population, while a low death rate may suggest better health conditions and a younger population structure. Like the crude birth rate, the crude death rate is considered "crude" because it does not account for the age and sex distribution of the population, which can significantly affect mortality rates. However, it provides a useful overall measure for comparing mortality levels across different populations and tracking changes over time.