How would you define fertility rate?

The fertility rate is best defined as the average number of children born to a woman during her lifetime, which captures the essential concept of reproduction in a population. This measure provides insight into population growth potential and is crucial for understanding demographic trends. By examining the average number of children, analysts can evaluate the effects of various factors, such as social, economic, and health conditions, on reproductive behavior.

The other definitions presented do not accurately describe fertility rate. For instance, the total number of people born in a year per 1,000 individuals refers to the crude birth rate, which is a broader metric of birth occurrence rather than focusing on individual women's reproductive behavior. The ratio of male to female births pertains to sex ratio, and the number of children a couple aims to have relates more to family planning rather than fertility as a statistical measure. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific meaning of fertility within demographic studies.