Population change - 3. quarter of 2004
A slight rise in fertility
Publication Date: 23. 12. 2004
Product Code: r-4001-04
The population of the Czech Republic increased by 4.1 thousand in the 1st-3rd quarter of 2004, as a result of international migration. The numbers of live births, marriages and divorces were higher than in the same period of previous year. On the other hand, the numbers of deaths and induced abortions were smaller. Due to higher number of emigrants the net migration was lower than in 2003.
Preliminary statistical balance indicates the population to have increased by 4.1 thousand inhabitants in the 1st-3rd quarter. The total population of the Czech Republic as of 30 September 2004 stood at 10 215.6 thousand, of which females accounted for 5 238.9 thousand. The population increase resulted only from positive net migration: the number of immigrants was by 8.4 thousand higher than the number of emigrants. To a large degree the migration of citizens of Ukraine (9.0 thousand) and Vietnam (2.7 thousand) influenced the net migration size. Natural decrease (the difference between the number of live births and deceased persons) was 4.3 thousand in the period of January-September 2004. It was by 7.6 thousand less compared to the same period of the previous year.
There were 74.5 thousand live births in the three quarters of 2004, of which extra-marital births accounted for 22.7 thousand. The share of extra-marital births stood at 30.5 per cent. It was 27.8 per cent in the 1st-3rd quarter of the previous year, data for whole year 2003 showed the share 28.5 per cent. The level of 30 per cent was exceeded in November 2003 for the first time. It is highly probable that the number of live births in 2004 will be higher than last year and according to estimate 97 thousand live births could be reached. There were 93.7 thousand live births in 2003. This number was the highest one since 1996. Similarly, the total fertility rate (the number of live births per 1 female in her childbearing age) is going to be higher as against 1.18 in 2003 (> 1.2). However, the Czech Republic will still belong among European countries with very low fertility level. The mean age of women at first birth has continued to rise (> 26 years).
The preliminary number of deaths in the 1st-3rd quarter of 2004 stood at 78.8 thousand. It was by 5 thousand down on the first nine months of 2003. Therefore, the life expectancy at birth is estimated to rise again after three years of its stagnation (approx. by half a year for both sexes). The situation concerning the number of infant deaths and infant mortality rate was the same as in the 1st half-year of 2004: there were approximately on the previous year level. A very slight rise in neonatal mortality (infant mortality within 28 days of age) was registered.
In the 1st-3rd quarter of 2004, there were more marriages entered into (by 1.6 thousand) and also divorces (by 0,5 thousand). In spite of the moderate increase of the number of marriages entered into, the nuptiality level remains very low from the long-term view. The main reason is the rise in number of consensual unions among young people. As for the divorce-rate the preliminary data for the 1st-3rd quarter of 2004 show further continuation of its increase. The total divorce rate in 2003 was the highest one so far.
The decrease of abortion-rates continued: the further decrease in the number of legally induced abortions was registered and due to this the total number of abortion dropped by 1.5 thousand as against the 1st-3rd quarter of 2003. The number of legally induced abortions was even by 1.8 thousand lower than in the same period of the last year. The recorded number of abortions was 30.6 thousand, of which legally induced abortions accounted for 20.6 thousand.
Note
Data source: Demographic statistics – results of processing statistical reports of Obyv series (notifications of the entry into marriage, of birth, of death, of divorce, and of migration); Institute of Health Information and Statistics (data on abortions); Alien and Border Police Service (data on foreigners with permanent residence and with residence based on 90-day+ visas and data on foreigners granted asylum).
All the data for the 1st-3rd quarter of 2004 are preliminary; they are gradually updated one month after another.
Related publications:
4001-04 Population of the Czech Republic in January – September 2004
4001-03 Population of the Czech Republic in January – September 2003
4003-04 Age Distribution of the Population of the Czech Republic 2003
4007-04 Population Trends in the Czech Republic 2003
Contact: Terezie Kretschmerová, phone (+420) 274054063, e-mail terezie.styglerova@csu.gov.cz