Population change - 1. quarter of 2006

The population of the Czech Republic increased by 7.9 thousand in the 1st quarter of 2006 and as of 31 March stood at 10 259 017. The population increase resulted only from positive net migration amounting to 9.5 thousand. The natural decrease was 1.5 thousand. The number of live births was by 447 higher as against 1st quarter of 2005; the number of divorces was also higher, by 450. On the contrary, the number of marriages was lower by 1.1 thousand, and the number of deaths by 4.0 thousand.


According to the results of the preliminary statistical balance the population of the Czech Republic stood at 10 259 017 as of 31 March 2006, which was by 36.4 thousand more than a year ago and by 7.9 thousand more than three months ago (as of 31 Dec 2005). The natural decrease in the 1st quarter of 2006 was 1.5 thousand (it was 6.0 thousand in the 1st quarter of 2005) and the net migration stood at 9.5 thousand (it was 8.0 thousand in the 1st quarter of 2005). The population has been continuously growing for 4 years, but only due to international immigration. In the 1st quarter of 2006, the highest net migration was reached with the citizens of Ukraine (3.1 thousand), Slovak Republic (1.8 thousand) and Viet Nam (1.4 thousand).

The number of live births in the 1st quarter of 2006 was by 447 higher than in the 1st quarter of 2005, whereas between the same periods of 2004 and 2005 the growth amounting to 753 births was recorded. Only the development in the next months will show if the significant rise in birth rate continues this year. The fertility of women in the Czech Republic stayed at the low level, the average number of children born to woman during her childbearing age (15-49) stood at 1.3 children. There were 32.7 percent out of live births born outside marriage during the first three months of this year. It was 31.4 percent in the 1st quarter of 2005, and 31.7 percent in 2005. Thus, the continuous growth (since 1988) of the share of births born to unmarried women has been continuing.

There were registered 26.3 thousand deaths in the 1st quarter of 2006, by 4.0 thousand less than in the corresponding period of 2005. During this winter, no significant mortality variations usually connected with the flu epidemic, occurred. The number of infant deaths and the infant mortality rate remains at the low level in the period of January-March 2006. The infant mortality rate stood at 3.6 deaths within 1 year of age per 1 000 live births and was identical with the level reached in the same period of the previous year. The number of deaths within 28 days and neonatal mortality rate was slightly higher, but by such low figures the mild fluctuations are common and do not signalise significant change of trend.

There were 4.7 thousand of marriages entered into during the period of January-March of this year. This number was by 1.1 thousand lower as against the same period of the previous year. This drop in numbers meant the relative decrease by one fifth. The first quarter of the year is the least attractive time for entering into marriage. Changes in the development of nuptiality might occur during the rest of the year. There were registered 8.3 thousand divorces in the first three months and this number was by 450 higher than in the same period of the previous year. The divorce rate in the Czech Republic is from the international comparison point of view one of the highest.

The total number of abortions in the 1st quarter of 2006 was by 262 higher as against the same corresponding period a year ago; the number of legally induced abortions was almost the same, whereas the number of spontaneous abortions was a little bit higher. The miscarriages accounted for almost one third of all abortions.

---

Note:

Contact: Terezie Kretschmerová, phone: (+420) 274054063, e-mail: terezie.kretschmerova@csu.gov.cz

Data source: Demographic statistics – results of processing statistical reports of Obyv series (notifications of the entry into marriage, of birth, of death, of divorce); the migration data source is the Alien Information System and the Central Population Register Record. Czech Statistical Office receives data from Alien and Border Police Service and the Ministry of Interior. Abortion data originate from the Institute of Health Information and Statistics.

Since 2001, the figures include (in accordance with the Population and Housing Census 2001) foreigners with long-term stay (i.e., the stay based on visa over 90 days, as stipulated by Act No. 326/1999 Coll.) and foreigners with granted asylum status (in compliance with Act No. 325/1999 Coll.). Since 1st May 2005, in accordance with amendment No. 326/1999 Coll., the figures include citizens of the European Union with temporary stay on the territory of the Czech Republic, and citizens of other countries with long-term stay.

All data for the 1st quarter 2006 are preliminary.

Related publications:
4001-06 Population of the Czech Republic in January-March 2006

4001-05 Population of the Czech Republic in January-March 2005