The measurement quantifies the number of deaths occurring in a population per year, typically expressed per 1,000 people. It provides a general overview of mortality within a specific geographic area. For example, a value of 10 indicates that for every 1,000 individuals in a region, 10 deaths occurred during the defined period.
This metric serves as a basic indicator of a population’s health and well-being. While it offers a snapshot of mortality trends, its interpretation requires caution. Factors such as age structure significantly influence this measurement; a population with a large proportion of elderly individuals may exhibit a higher rate than a younger population, even if health conditions are similar. Historically, fluctuations in this value have reflected improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and living standards.