Czechia‘s population increased by 8,900 people in 2024, bringing the country’s population to 10,909,500 – the highest figure since the end of World War II.
The growth in population was driven by international migration, which added some 36,800 individuals to the total, however the number of births (84,300) was the lowest recorded to date. The birth rate was 8% lower than in 2023, the data showed.
The number of deaths (112,200) also fell slightly, year-on-year, however a natural decrease of 27,900 – more deaths than births – continued for the sixth consecutive year.
‘A new historical low’
“The number of live births in 2024 fell significantly for the third year in a row,” commented Michaela Němečková of the CZSO’s demographic statistics unit. “The annual total of 84,311 represents a new historical low, surpassing the previous figure of 89,471 from 1999.”
The fertility rate fell slightly to 1.37 children per woman, while some 47% of children were born outside of marriage.
Marraiges and divorces
Marriage numbers also declined for the second year running, with 44,500 couples getting married; a 8% decline than in 2023.
At the same time, divorces rose by 7% to 20,800, with the majority of divorces occurring within four and seven years of marriage and involving minors (children) in 58% of cases.
The number of immigrants coming into Czechia from abroad totalled 121,800, a decline compared to 2023, according to the data. Emigration increased to nearly 85,000, with many emigrants being individuals whose temporary protection had ended.
‘According to preliminary estimates, the decline in deaths was associated with a further increase in life expectancy for both men and women, by about a quarter of a year,’ the CZSO noted. Read more here.
