The Czech Republic has recorded a significant population decline in the first quarter of 2025, with numbers dropping to 10,876,875 residents. According to the Czech Statistical Office (CSU), the country experienced a decrease of 32,600 inhabitants during this period, mirroring similar trends observed in early 2024.
The decline stems from both natural demographic changes and migration patterns. Between January and March, while just over 18,000 babies were born, more than 30,000 deaths were recorded. Birth rates showed a concerning 14% drop compared to the same period last year, with nearly half of all newborns being born to unmarried parents.
Migration figures further contributed to the population decrease, with over 46,000 people leaving the country against 26,000 new arrivals. The Statistical Office noted that this exodus largely consisted of individuals whose international protection status expired at the end of March.
On the family dynamics front, the period saw 3,000 new marriages while nearly 5,000 couples divorced. Interestingly, most divorces occurred among couples who had been married for five, six, or two years, corresponding to higher marriage rates recorded in 2019, 2018, and 2022.