This handbook offers information on population dynamics. The population data resource is intended for use by journalists, policymakers, teachers, high school and college students, libraries, advertising agencies, and family planning groups. The document is presented in 12 sections. Section I introduces demography, explains the purpose and scope of the handbook, and details population growth's impact on every facet of life. Section II identifies and describes measures and tools used by demographers to describe population. Sections III through X focus on age and sex composition, fertility, mortality, morbidity, nuptiality, migration, urbanization and distribution, and population change. For each of these topics, the handbook includes background information; a glossary of population and demographic terms; illustrations, maps, graphs, and charts; and statistical analysis of selected country and state population figures. Section XI provides a glossary of 113 population terms. The final section offers a directory of population information sources. (DB)