Growth rate in demography refers to the annual change in the size of a population, expressed as a percentage. It is calculated by taking the difference between the number of births and deaths (natural increase) and adding the difference between the number of immigrants entering and emigrants leaving a population (net migration), all per 1,000 population. A positive growth rate indicates that the population is increasing, while a negative rate signifies a decrease. This measure is crucial for understanding population dynamics and planning for future resource needs in areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Factors influencing growth rate include fertility rates, mortality rates, and migration patterns, which are in turn affected by social, economic, and environmental conditions.