Substantially more births in December and notably more marriages
In 2019 the number of births was 0.7% and that of deaths was 1.1% less compared to 2018 according to preliminary data. As a result, the natural decrease declined by 2.0% or 838 people compared to 2018. In December 2019 the number of live births increased by 8.2% and that of deaths decreased by 8.1% compared to the same month of the base period. Consequently, the natural decrease of 3,389 people in December was 32% lower than a year earlier.
In December 2019:
7,781 children were born, which was 589 babies or 8.2% more than in December 2018.
11,170 people lost their lives, which was 978 deceased fewer or 8.1% less than a year earlier.
The number of births rose and that of deaths declined; therefore, the natural decrease over the month was 3,389 people as opposed to 4,956 in December 2018, which meant a setback of 32%.
The number of marriages went up substantially; 3,235 couples got married, which was 54% or 1,133 couples more than in December 2018.
In January–December 2019:
89,200 children were born, which was 607 children fewer or 0.7% lower than in 2018. The number of newborns was lower in January-March, June and October, higher in April-May, July, September and November-December and was the same in August, compared to the corresponding period a year earlier. The most significant increase of 8.2% was registered in December and the largest decrease of 5.8% in June.
The estimated total fertility rate was 1.49 per woman, the same calculated for 2018. Therefore, the intention of childbearing has not changed; the number of live births has declined due to the fall in the number of women in childbearing age.
There were 129,600 deaths, 1.1% lower or 1,445 deceased fewer than a year earlier. The number of deaths increased in January, February and June, while in all other months of the year fewer people died than in the same months of 2018. The largest increase of 20% was registered in the first month of the year, which may have been due to a flu epidemic that peaked earlier compared to 2018. The most significant decline of 14% was recorded in March, and besides, in December notably fewer people died (8.1% less), too.
Owing to a lesser decline in the number of live births than deaths, the natural decrease was 40,400 people as opposed to 41,238 people in 2018, which meant a moderation of 2.0%.
65,300 couples got married, which was significantly, 28% higher or 14,472 couples more compared to a year earlier. January was the only month of the year when fewer matrimonies were registered than in the base period. Following this, the number of marriages increased by 0.6% in February-March, by 8.5% in April-May and by 16% in June, compared to a year earlier. This upward trend continued: in July-September there was a 33% increase on average, in October 65% and in November 116% more couples got married. In December the tempo of the growth moderated, but still 54% more people entered into matrimony than a year earlier. In total, the number of marriages in 2019 has been the highest value since 1990.
There were 9.1 live births and 13.3 deaths per thousand population, both were 0.1 per mille point lower compared to 2018. As a result, the 4.1 per mille rate of natural decrease declined by 0.1 per mille. The number of infant deaths was 3.8 per thousand live births in 2019, 0.4 per mille point higher compared to a year earlier. The marriage rate of 6.7 per mille was 1.5 per mille points more compared to the base period.
The estimated number of the resident population calculated on the basis of the 2011 census and taking into account international migration was 9,769 thousand at the end of 2019.
Main data on vital events, January–December 2019
| Vital events | Number | Change compared to same period of previous year, % | Per thousand population | Change compared to same period of previous year, % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live births | 89 200 | –0,7 | 9,1 | –0,6 |
| Deaths | 129 600 | –1,1 | 13,3 | –1,1 |
| Infant deaths | 335 | 10,2 | 3,8a) | 10,9 |
| Natural increase/decrease | –40 400 | –2,0 | –4,1 | –2,0 |
| Marriages | 65 300 | 28,5 | 6,7 | 28,5 |
a) Per thousand live births.