Czech Republic’s Population Declines: Sharp Drop in Births and Migration

The population of the Czech Republic fell by 21,500 to 10.88 million in the first half of 2024, with deaths outnumbering births and a negative migration balance contributing to the decline.

This trend mirrors a broader demographic shift, as the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO) announced on Friday. The data highlights a sharp drop in births and a decline in the number of marriages compared to the same period in 2023.

Significant Decline in Births

The number of births in the first half of this year fell by 10% compared to the same period last year. “From January to June, 41,600 children were born alive,” said Michaela Němečková from the CZSO’s demographic statistics department.

She added that the decline in births had followed a similar pattern over the past two years. Notably, the number of children born to women aged 25 to 29 dropped the most—by 15%.

Deaths Continue to Outpace Births

From January to June, 55,500 people died in the Czech Republic, which is 13,900 more than the number of births. However, the number of deaths was 3% lower than in the same period last year. The highest death rates were seen in men aged 75 to 79 and women aged 80 to 84.

Migration Worsens Population Decline

Foreign migration also played a significant role in the population decline. In the first half of 2024, 62,700 people immigrated to the Czech Republic, a decrease of 13,800 compared to the previous year. Simultaneously, 70,200 people moved abroad, leading to a net loss of more than 7,500 residents due to migration.

Marriage and Divorce Trends

The number of marriages also saw a decline. 18,600 couples married in the first half of the year, 7% fewer than during the same period in 2023. Fewer marriages were recorded every month except for April.

In contrast, 10,500 marriages were dissolved in the same period. 58% of those divorces involved at least one minor child living with the couple at the time of separation.

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