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Metadata Glossary
What's New
Global Economic Monitor (GEM) was updated on July 6, 2024
Gender Statistics was updated on July 1, 2024
Health Nutrition and Population Statistics was updated on July 1, 2024
World Development Indicators was updated on June 28, 2024
Metadata Glossary
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Filtered Results: 10
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Code
SP.POP.TOTL
Indicator Name
Population, total
Long definition
Population total is the estimate of de facto mid-year population at first level administrative division (Admin 1 level).
Source
1. Census reports and statistical databases from national statistical offices 2. Estimates from the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), The Earth Institute at Columbia University
Topic
Health: Population: Structure
Periodicity
Annual
Statistical concept and methodology
The population estimates are based on the (1) share of population at first level administrative division (Admin 1 level) from national population censuses and national estimates, and (2) total population estimates from World Development Indicators. The process includes the following. The population data from national censuses and national statistical offices are adjusted for mid-year (July 1st) assuming constant growth rate between two data points. For the years to which census or national data are not available, the population figures are interpolated or extrapolated. For interpolation, the constant growth rate between the two data points is assumed. For extrapolation, the same growth rate as the average of earliest (or latest) 3 years is used. Then the share of each admin 1 population to the sum of all admin 1 areas is calculated. If there is only one data point, it is assumed that the share of admin 1 population to the total population remains constant. Admin 1 population estimates (absolute numbers) are then calculated by applying the share of each admin 1 to total population of the World Bank's World Development Indicators' total population estimates. While estimating admin 1 population the latest admin 1 classification for which data is available was used for each country. Data source information by year for each country is included.
Development relevance
Increases in human population, whether a result of immigration or more births than deaths, can place pressures on the country's sustainability through impacts on many natural resources and social infrastructure. A significant increase in population will negatively impact availability of land for agricultural production, and will put increased demands on food, energy, water, social services, and infrastructure. On the other hand, decreasing population size - a result of fewer births than deaths, and people moving out of a country - can impact government's commitment to maintain services and infrastructure.
Limitations and exceptions
Indicator is limited by data availability, as well as differences in the concepts, definitions, collection procedures, and estimation methods used by national statistical agencies and organizations that collect the data.
License Type
Open
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