What does natural decrease refer to?

Natural decrease refers to the phenomenon that occurs when the number of births in a population is lower than the number of deaths. This results in a decline in the overall population size. It is a critical concept in demography, as it indicates that without migration, a population is not reproducing itself and is actively shrinking.

This situation can arise due to various factors, including lower fertility rates, aging populations, and increases in mortality rates, particularly in older age groups. Understanding natural decrease is essential for analyzing population trends, planning for future demographic changes, and addressing potential social and economic impacts that arise from a declining population.