According to the latest forecasts from the Institute for Planning and Development of the Capital City of Prague (IPR), Prague’s population is expected to grow to up to 1.97 million people by 2050. This demographic shift will place significant demands on public infrastructure and services.
The updated study, based on the 2022 pilot version, offers a comprehensive overview of future population trends and the corresponding demand for public facilities. It covers eight key areas: Education, Health and Social Services, Funeral Services, Commerce, Recreation, Culture, and Sport. The forecast presents five scenarios considering migration, the economic situation, and population growth, showing that the population is expected to range between 1.66 million and 1.97 million people.
Petr Hlaváček, Deputy Mayor of Prague for Spatial and Strategic Development, emphasizes that the city is adopting a proactive approach to infrastructure development. “We are designing the necessary infrastructure in a data-driven and systematic way, in close cooperation with neighborhoods, public institutions, and the private sector,” explains Hlaváček.
Alexandra Udženija, Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs and Healthcare, highlights the forecast’s indication of an urgent need for more healthcare and elderly care facilities. “We need to prepare for a significant increase in these areas,” says Udženija.
The study also offers valuable insights into the field of education. K. Antonín Klecanda, the Minister of Education in Prague, underscores the importance of the forecast for planning school facilities. “It is crucial that we think strategically about the development of the education system to ensure that every child has access to quality education,” says Klecanda.
Ondřej Boháč, Director of the Prague Institute for Planning and Development, announced that the study will be updated annually to reflect new demographic and infrastructural changes. The results will serve as a basis for future urban planning documents and strategic decisions.
Overall, the study provides a solid foundation for the planning and development of public infrastructure in Prague and will help to ensure a high quality of life in the growing metropolis.
