Is the word população the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical function of "população" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated, and the rhythm of speech is more "syllable-timed" (each syllable receives relatively equal weight). In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are much more "reduced" or "swallowed," making them shorter or almost inaudible. This gives the Portuguese accent a more "stress-timed" and clipped sound compared to the more melodic and vowel-heavy Brazilian pronunciation.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. A população de São Paulo é enorme. (The population of São Paulo is huge.)
2. A população brasileira está envelhecendo. (The Brazilian population is aging.)
3. O governo precisa investir na saúde da população. (The government needs to invest in the population's health.)
4. A população urbana cresceu muito este ano. (The urban population grew a lot this year.)
5. Precisamos de dados sobre a população carente. (We need data about the needy population.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. A população de Lisboa está a diminuir. (The population of Lisbon is decreasing.)
2. A população portuguesa está a envelhecer. (The Portuguese population is aging.)
3. É necessário proteger a população rural. (It is necessary to protect the rural population.)
4. A densidade da população é elevada nesta região. (The population density is high in this region.)
5. A população sente o impacto da crise económica. (The population feels the impact of the economic crisis.)