The number of deaths occurring among the population of a given geographical area during a given year, per 1,000 mid-year population, is obtained by dividing the total number of deaths reported during the year by the mid-year population; the result is then multiplied by 1,000. For instance, if a population of 1,000,000 experienced 10,000 deaths in a year, the calculation would be (10,000 / 1,000,000) * 1,000 = 10. This yields a value of 10 deaths per 1,000 population.
This metric provides a fundamental understanding of mortality patterns within a population. It is a crucial indicator of overall health and well-being, reflecting socio-economic conditions, healthcare access, and environmental factors. Historically, examining trends in this rate has helped identify public health crises, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and inform resource allocation strategies.