The death rate refers to the number of deaths that occur in a particular population, usually expressed per 1000 people or as a percentage. It is an indicator of mortality and can be used to measure the overall health of a community or country. A high death rate may indicate poor healthcare systems, lack of access to medical care, or other factors contributing to higher mortality rates. On the other hand, a low death rate suggests that a population has better access to healthcare and is generally healthier.