The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Population growth refers to the change in the number of inhabitants of a territory during a specific period of time. This change can be positive (increase) or negative (decrease) and is influenced by three primary components: births, deaths, and migration.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Population growth is not caused by migration alone. It is the net result of three factors:
- Births: Add to the population.
- Deaths: Subtract from the population.
- Migration: Can add (immigration) or subtract (emigration) people.
- Statement 2 is Correct. Population growth can be expressed in two ways:
- Absolute Numbers: The total number of people added each year or decade (e.g., the magnitude of increase).
- percentage (Annual Growth Rate): The pace of population change expressed as a percentage per annum (e.g., a rate of 2% means an increase of 2 persons for every 100 persons in the base population).
- Statement 3 is Correct. Population growth is a significant indicator of a region's progress. It reflects the historical and cultural background, as well as the level of economic development and social upliftment. For instance, lower growth rates often correlate with higher economic development and better social indicators (like education and healthcare) as observed in the demographic transition model.
Key Takeaway: Population growth is determined by the interplay of births, deaths, and migration, and serves as a vital metric for assessing the socio-economic health of a territory.