Skopje, 27 February 2025 (MIA) — There were 1,206 more citizens dying than being born in the last three months of 2024, and the number of divorces increased by almost one-quarter compared to the same time in 2023, according to the latest figures released by the State Statistical Office.

According to a SSO press release, births fell to 3,968 in the fourth quarter of 2024, a drop of 4.2% compared to the same quarter of 2023. 

Deaths fell to 5,174 in the fourth quarter of 2024, a drop of 1% compared to the same quarter of 2023.

The difference — what demographers call natural population change — is now a negative 1,206, continuing the country's population decline.

Of the 5,174 deaths in the last three months of 2024, ten were infant deaths.

The number of marriages fell to 2,430 in the fourth quarter od 2024, dropping by 14,7% compared to the 2,848 marriages entered into during the same quarter of 2023.

The number of divorces jumped to 601 in the fourth quarter od 2024, rising sharply by 23.9% compared to the same quarter of 2023, when there were 485 divorces. mr/