The birth rate, also called the crude birth rate, refers to the number of births in a given region during a specific period, usually one year, divided by the average population of that same period, expressed per thousand. On this website, the birth rate refers to the annual birth rate.

The formula is:

Birth Rate = Annual Number of Births / Annual Average Population × 1000‰

In this definition, the number of births refers to live births. A live birth means a baby delivered from the mother that showed signs of life, such as breathing or other vital activity, regardless of the length of the pregnancy.

The annual average population refers to the average of the population at the beginning and end of the year. In some cases, the mid-year population may also be used as a substitute.