The Population Module

Abstract

In this chapter we describe the specific structure of the multistate population model chosen for the population module of PDE Mauritius. Figure 12.1 gives some general aspects of the relationship between input and output parameters in a population model for a case that considers age, sex, and place of residence. It is important to distinguish between determinants and char-acteristics of population change. Only the characteristics of the population have an effect on the economy and the environment. The basic characteristics are total size, growth rate, density, age distribution (including mean age and demographic dependency ratios), sex ratio, and regional distribution of the population. These supposedly relevant characteristics of the population, however, cannot be influenced directly but can only be affected by changes in one or more of the three basic determinants of population change, namely, fertility, mortality, and migration.