Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What is meant by the term crude birth rate (CBR)?

1. The total number of live births in a year

2. The number of babies born per 1000 people per year

3. The ratio of births to deaths in a population

4. The average family size in a given region

The correct answer is: The number of babies born per 1000 people per year

Crude birth rate (CBR) is defined as the number of live births occurring among the population of a given area during a specific year, expressed per 1,000 people. This measurement allows demographers and geographers to assess the growth rate of a population and understand the dynamics of birth trends relative to the size of the population. While the total number of live births in a year provides a raw count, it does not account for the population size, which is crucial for comparative analysis across different regions or over time. The ratio of births to deaths pertains to other demographic calculations and doesn’t specifically define CBR. Additionally, average family size focuses more on household composition rather than the birth rate itself, which relates to the total population. Therefore, expressing birth rates relative to a standardized figure, such as 1,000 people, provides a clearer picture of demographic trends within a population.