The population of the Czech Republic declined slightly between January and September 2024. In each month of this period, there were more deaths than births. Immigration from abroad decreased significantly compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the number of marriages dropped, while the number of divorces increased.
From 1 January to 30 September 2024, the population of the Czech Republic decreased by 3.3 thousand people. The population increase due to immigration (15.0 thousand) was offset by the decrease in the population due to natural changes (-18.3 thousand). Compared to the first three quarters of 2023, there were significantly fewer births (64.2 thousand) in this period, while the number of deaths (82.6 thousand) remained relatively stable. The number of marriages (38.1 thousand) fell by a tenth, while divorces (15.1 thousand) increased.
“From January to September 2024, there were more deaths than births every month. The population of the Czech Republic has, therefore, continuously decreased due to natural changes. Overall, the loss of 18.3 thousand people in three quarters was a record,” says Michaela Němečková from the Population Statistics Department of the Czech Statistical Office. The largest population loss since the founding of the independent Czech Republic occurred three years ago, in 2021, when the decline amounted to 17.9 thousand people.
Although immigration remained positive, with a net increase of 15.0 thousand people in the first three quarters of this year, it fell significantly compared to the previous year (by 59.3 thousand). A total of 98.5 thousand people moved to the Czech Republic, a decrease of 14.2 thousand compared to the previous year. On the other hand, the number of emigrants rose to 83.5 thousand, an increase of 45.2 thousand compared to the previous year.
From January to September, 64.2 thousand children were born, 5.9 thousand (8%) fewer than in the previous year. The number of deaths in the first three quarters of 2024 was 82.6 thousand, 0.3 thousand fewer than in the same period in 2023. While the number of deaths decreased in the first two quarters compared to the previous year, it increased in the third quarter. Most male deaths occurred in the 75 to 79 age group, while most female deaths were in the 80 to 84 age group.
Between January and September, 38.1 thousand couples got married, 4.4 thousand (10%) fewer than in the same period in 2023. Most newlyweds belonged to the generation born in 1993 and were around 30 years old. According to preliminary data, 15.1 thousand marriages ended in divorce, 0.7 thousand (5%) more than in the previous year. Most divorces took place after four to seven years of marriage. A total of 14.1 thousand underage children were living in divorced households at the time of the divorce.
