Final answer:
The U.S. population is one of the fastest-growing among developed countries due to a higher fertility rate and positive net migration. The difference between birth and death rates signifies the overall population health and indicates economic and social trends. Understanding these rates is key to demographic analysis and planning for the future.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining the US population data from sources like the US Census Bureau Population Clock, we can see that the United States has a population of over 325 million people. This growth is in part because of its fertility rate of about 2.1 and a positive net migration rate, with more people immigrating than emigrating. The difference between the birth rate and the death rate is significant for understanding the population growth rate.
The US has a birth rate of approximately 12 people per 1,000 per year, and a death rate of 8.1 people per 1,000 per year, yielding a net growth rate of +0.4%.
This is relevant to demographic transition theory, which suggests that as a country develops, its fertility and mortality rates decline, leading to lower population growth rates. Adjustments in these rates can inform about the country's stage in this transition and indicate overall population health and growth trends.
With the US seeing shifts from rural to urban living, coupled with healthcare advancements and a drop in death rates globally, the population has grown, though at varying rates. These changes reflect economic, social, and health dynamics that shape the nation's demographics.
Therefore, the difference between birth and death rates can lend insight into economic development, resource distribution, and potential changes in policy and infrastructure to accommodate the population's needs.