Improvement in National Population Decline
The latest data released by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office has revealed some interesting trends in the country’s population dynamics. According to the report, there were 7,089 births and 10,706 deaths in October 2023. This represents a 5.9 percent decrease in the number of births and a 6.7 percent decrease in deaths compared to the same month in 2022. Additionally, there were 451 fewer marriages in October 2023 compared to October 2022, a 9.6 percent decrease.
The decline in both births and deaths has resulted in a slower natural population decline, according to the report. From January to October 2023, there were 71,778 births, which is 2.7 percent lower than the same period in 2022. The estimated total fertility rate per woman is 1.52, compared to 1.53 a year earlier. On the other hand, there were 104,404 deaths during this period, which is 7.5 percent lower than in the previous year.
The report also highlighted a decrease in the number of marriages, with 44,372 couples getting married between January and October 2023, a 24 percent decrease from the previous year. The marriage rate was reported at 5.6 thousandths, 1.6 thousandths of a point lower than in the previous year.
Looking at a broader time frame, the data also showed a 2.8 percent decrease in the number of births between November 2022 and October 2023, as well as a 24 percent decrease in the number of marriages during the same period.
To address the issue of depopulation, the report emphasized the need for policies that encourage people to have children and care for the elderly. Hungary’s family policy, which includes around 30 measures to support families, home ownership, and work-life balance, was highlighted as a unique approach that provides comprehensive support to families throughout their life cycle.
The new data suggests that Hungary is facing demographic challenges that require strategic interventions to ensure sustainable population growth in the future.
