Vital statistics

Vital statistics are the statistical outputs of a demographic system that reflect the major life events of people, namely birth, death, and marriage. These statistics are derived from a universal, mandatory registration system that records the occurrence and characteristics of these events. The system is usually operated within a legal framework that requires the events to be reported as they occur.

Births

The birth rate is a vital statistic that measures the number of births in a population. It is usually expressed as the number of live births per 1,000 population in a year. The birth rate is an important indicator of population growth and fertility.

Deaths

The death rate is another vital statistic that measures the number of deaths in a population. It is usually expressed as the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a year. The death rate is an important indicator of mortality and life expectancy.

Marriages

The marriage rate is a vital statistic that measures the number of marriages in a population. It is usually expressed as the number of marriages per 1,000 population in a year. The marriage rate is an important indicator of social structure and family formation.

Uses

Vital statistics are used in a variety of ways. They are used by governments to plan services and policies, by researchers to study trends and patterns, and by individuals to understand their society and its changes.

See also

• Demography
• Population statistics
• Census
• Civil registration