The Czech Republic has experienced a notable demographic shift, with its population increasing by 54,700 in the initial three quarters of 2023, reaching a total of 10.88 million, as per the latest data released by the Czech Statistical Office (CSU). This surge was predominantly driven by migration, as the number of deaths outpaced births during this period.

An intriguing aspect of this demographic change is the decline in the birth rate, with a staggering 11% reduction in the number of babies born compared to the same period last year. This decrease was evident across all age groups of women under 45, signifying a broader trend in the country’s demographic landscape.

The capital city, Prague, witnessed a substantial population growth, increasing by almost 20,000 to 1.38 million inhabitants. This growth was attributed to a combination of migration and a higher number of births compared to deaths. Notably, a majority of the new residents in Prague were individuals who had relocated to the city.

Interestingly, the overall number of marriages and divorces in the Czech Republic decreased during the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year. The number of deaths also witnessed a decline during this timeframe.

Migration played a significant role in shaping the population dynamics, with 116,700 people arriving in the Czech Republic from abroad, while 48,600 individuals left the country. Notably, a significant portion of those leaving the country did so in September, coinciding with the expiration of the temporary protection visa.

The CSU data revealed a consistent trend of natural population decrease since 2019, where more people die than are born. This contrasts with the previous 13 years, which saw more births than deaths, except for 2015 and 2013.

Despite an overall population increase, some regions experienced declines, notably Usti nad Labem and Moravia-Silesia. The Moravia-Silesia region, although seeing a decrease, recorded the smallest decline in 15 years, primarily due to migration.

In summary, while the Czech Republic is witnessing a general population increase, underlying factors such as birth rate decline and regional variations highlight the complexity of the country’s demographic landscape.

Article by Prague Forum