Population Density

It is the most important parameter indicating the pressure of population on land, water and other resources. Usually, higher population density (expressed as number of people (square kilometers) is found in urban areas than in rural areas. Regional disparities of density of population helps the government to plan about regional priority development. Concentrated population in some parts -as indicated by higher density - demands, creation of more facilities such as transport, electricity, housing, sanitation etc. in such parts of country.

Infant Mortality Rate

It is an important parameter indicating what percentage of children die out of new births. It is an indication of the quality and adequacy of health care provided to people. Generally, as the country develops, its infant mortality is likely to reduce. Infant mortality rate also gives an idea of how much of birth rate is nullified to assess the addition to existing population. Infant mortality rate indicates the level of maternity care and post natal care provided in the country.

Different Stages of the Demographic Transition:i) High birth rate but fluctuating death rateii) Declining death rate and continuing high birth rateiii) Declining birth and death rateiv) Low death rate but fluctuating birth rate

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

It indicates the fertility of women. TFR indicates how many among reproductively potential women can actually produce children. The parameter like TFR as percentage of fertile women in a total population or as percentage of reproductively active population (male and female) indicates the necessity of health care needed by them. It also denotes the general fecundity of women in a given region. In India TFR is 3.5.

Sex Ratio

It is ratio of women to men expressed as % of women in total population or number of women per every 1000 men. Sex ratio is a comprehensive indicator of women population ignoring their age, reproductive potentiality etc. Such sex ratio can indicate many national priorities such as status of women, necessities of maternity facilities, fecundity, growth rate, birth rate etc. It also gives an indication about issues such as marriage, illegal carriage, extent of rapes etc. It can also indicate the percentage of women work force available in the country as against men work force both in rural and urban areas. Sex ratio super imposed with literacy rate indicates percentage of women literates and priorities needed to emphasise on women's education.

Literacy Rate

It is a very important indicator of what section of people in a country can read and write. A classified information of literate population can indicate what percentage of people are educated and uneducated - which forms the basis for employment planning. Employment data along with literacy rate can lead to many inferences about % of unemployed and total work force available in the country. Employment details superimposed on age wise classification of population can indicate % of unemployed youth - who can be potential source of national problems.

Life Expectancy at Birth

It is a derived parameter to indicate how many people would be added to population. It also indicates the level of health care available to children and their mothers. Usually life expectancy at birth is higher than at later period.