To project the population in 15 years using an annual growth rate, we can use the formula for exponential growth:

$P(t) = P_0 \times (1 + r)^t$

Where:

• $P(t)$ is the population after $t$ years.
• $P_0$ is the initial population (10.2 million).
• $r$ is the annual growth rate (2.2% or 0.022).
• $t$ is the number of years into the future (15 years).

Substituting the values:

$P(15) = 10.2 \times (1 + 0.022)^{15}$

Let's calculate that.

The projected population after 15 years, given an annual growth rate of 2.2%, will be approximately 14.14 million people.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

1. What would the population be after 20 years instead of 15?
2. How would the projection change with a different growth rate, such as 3%?
3. How long would it take for the population to double at a 2.2% growth rate?
4. How would the calculation differ if the growth rate varied each year?
5. How would immigration or emigration impact these projections?

Tip: The exponential growth formula assumes a constant growth rate; if the rate fluctuates, more complex models might be needed.