Final answer:
Population growth is the increase in the number of individuals in a population due to more births and immigration than deaths and emigration, which is measured by the population growth rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Population growth refers to the increase in the number of individuals in a given population over a specific period of time. This growth can occur due to various factors, such as a higher number of births than deaths, and the process of immigration, where individuals move into the region. Conversely, populations can decrease through deaths and emigration, where individuals leave the area. These factors together determine the population growth rate, which measures how quickly the population size changes.
Population structure, which includes the age-sex distribution, along with fertility, mortality, and migration rates, also plays a crucial role in influencing the population growth. It is important to note that populations don't always grow; their growth rates can be affected by the local economy, available resources, and environmental conditions. Demography, the study of populations, is essential to understand and manage these growth dynamics.