Understanding the Total Population Count of a Country: Include Diaspora or Not?

The term 'total population count' of a country typically refers to the number of people physically residing within the country's borders at a specific point in time. This count includes citizens, permanent residents, and non-citizens who are present within the country's jurisdiction. However, the inclusion of individuals who live abroad, particularly those with roots in the home country, can vary. For instance, in the case of India, citizens residing abroad like Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are sometimes considered for certain demographic analyses, despite not being included in the official population figures.

Does the Population Include Non-Residents Living Abroad?

When discussing the population from a demographic or statistical perspective, certain countries may consider their citizens living abroad, such as NRIs in the case of India, for specific analyses. However, these individuals are not accounted for in the official population figures. Essentially, the official total population count focuses solely on those residing within the country's territory.

Do Relatives Living Abroad Count?

No, the population of a country does not typically include relatives who are now living in other countries. The official population count is limited to individuals who physically reside within the country.

How Are Ex-Pats Included in Population Counts?

The inclusion of ex-pats in the population count depends on whether they have given up their citizenship. If they retain their citizenship, they might still be counted during a census as citizens of their original jurisdiction. It's important to note that the diaspora, a term referring to people who have migrated or emigrated from their home country and are living in another country or countries, is not included in the official population figures.

Diaspora refers to a group of people who have migrated or emigrated from their home country and are living in another country. Population figures generally refer to the number of people residing within a country's borders, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. This includes citizens, permanent residents, and any other individuals physically present in the country at the time of the census or population count.

For example, if a country's population figures are calculated based on individuals residing within its borders, the population of Ireland would remain 4.5 million and not 50 million, even if many of its people live abroad. The official population count does not account for the diaspora, as it is focused on those within the country's territory.

Therefore, while the total population count of a country is defined by those residing within its borders, certain analyses and demographic studies might consider a broader definition to include individuals with ties to the home country, provided they retain their citizenship.