Published on: 24 March 2017

Significant death surplus, higher natural decrease

In the first month of 2017, 7,683 children were born, 0.5% less than in the same month of 2016. The number of deaths was 14,064, which meant a significant increase of 19% compared to January 2016. The natural decrease was 6,381 persons, 2,323 more than a year earlier.

In the first month of 2017, 7,683 children were born, only 37 (0.5%) fewer than in January 2016.

The number of deaths was 14,064 which meant a considerable growth of 19% or numerically 2,286 more deceases than a year earlier. Since 2000, this has been the highest number of deaths, including January 2015, which can be characterized by a significant mortality surplus. In the background of the considerable mortality surplus – similarly to the trend two years ago – may be the peak of the flu epidemic.

The number of deaths considerably increased, while that of births slightly decreased, as a result of which natural decrease grew from 4,058 in January 2016 to 6,381 persons in the first month of 2017, which meant an increase of 57%.

The number of marriages fell in January compared to the same period of the previous year. The 1,429 marriages registered in the first month of the year was by 41 (2.8%) fewer, than a year earlier. In the slight decrease the calendar-effect may have played a role, because in January this year there was one less weekend than last year.

There were 9.2 live births and 16.9 deceases per thousand inhabitants. The former was 0.1 per mille point down and the latter was 2.8 per mille points up on one year before, as a result of which the rate of natural decrease rose by 2.8 per mille points to 7.7 per mille. The number of infant deaths was 1.8 per thousand live births in the first month of the year, which meant a significant decrease of 2.2 per mille points year-on-year. The marriage rate of 1.7 per mille was 0.1 per mille point lower than a year earlier.

Main data of vital events, January 2017

Vital event Number Change compared to the same period of the previous year, % Per thousand inhabitants Change compared to the same period of the previous year, %
Live birth 7 683 –0.5 9.2 –0.4
Death 14 064 19.4 16.9 19.5
Infant death 14 –54.8 1.8a) –54.6
Marriage 1 429 –2.8 1.7 –2.7
Natural decrease–6 381 57.2 –7.7 57.3

a) Per thousand live births.