How many years will it take for the population of a country to double if it grows at the rate of 4 percent per year?

Correct option is A

Explanation:
To determine how many years it will take for a population to double at a specific growth rate, the Rule of 70 can be applied. This rule states that to estimate the doubling time in years, you divide 70 by the annual growth rate percentage. In this case, with a growth rate of 4 percent:
Doubling time = 70 / growth rate = 70 / 4 = 17.5 years
This indicates that it will take approximately 17.5 years for the population to double at a growth rate of 4 percent per year, which rounds to about 17.3 years.
Information Booster:
· The Rule of 70 is a simple way to calculate the impact of exponential growth, commonly used in demographics and economics.
· Exponential growth occurs when the growth rate of a value is proportional to its current value, leading to a rapid increase over time.
· Understanding population growth rates is crucial for planning in areas such as resource allocation, urban development, and environmental conservation.
· Different regions have varying growth rates due to factors such as fertility rates, immigration, and public health policies.
· Population studies often utilize models to project future growth and its implications on societal structures and resources.
· Doubling time is a critical concept in sustainability discussions, particularly regarding the carrying capacity of the environment.
Additional Information:
· Option (b): ~13.8 years is incorrect as it underestimates the time required for doubling at a 4% growth rate.
· Option (c): ~15 years is also incorrect; it does not accurately reflect the calculations based on the growth rate.
· Option (d): ~25 years is an overestimation for a 4% growth rate, as it suggests a much slower rate of growth than is present.