Väestötiede

Väestötiede, also known as demography, is the scientific study of human populations. It examines the size, structure, and distribution of populations, and how these factors change over time due to births, deaths, migration, and aging. Väestötiede uses statistical methods to analyze population data, providing insights into social, economic, and health trends.

Key areas of study in väestötiede include fertility rates, mortality rates, and migration patterns. Fertility refers to the actual reproductive performance of a population or population group, while mortality refers to the incidence of death in a population. Migration encompasses the movement of people from one place to another, whether within a country or across international borders.

The analysis of these demographic processes allows for the understanding of population growth or decline, age structures, and dependency ratios. Väestötiede plays a crucial role in informing public policy and planning in various fields, such as healthcare, education, urban development, and social security. It helps governments and organizations anticipate future population needs and challenges, enabling them to make informed decisions.