In the context of AP Human Geography, the term refers to the ability of a population to produce offspring. It is measured as the number of live births occurring in a population. A high rate indicates a larger number of births per woman, while a low one signifies fewer births. For instance, a population with a total rate of 2.5 births per woman is considered to have a replacement level, where the population is generally stable, accounting for mortality.
Understanding this demographic characteristic is crucial for analyzing population growth, age structure, and dependency ratios. It informs policies related to healthcare, education, and economic development. Historically, rates have varied significantly across regions and time periods, influenced by factors like access to contraception, cultural norms, and economic conditions. Declining rates are observed in many developed countries, impacting workforce demographics and social security systems.