The population of the Czech Republic declined slightly in the first quarter of 2025. The main reasons for this are a birth deficit and negative net migration, particularly due to the emigration of Ukrainian citizens.
The population of the Czech Republic fell by around 32,600 in the first quarter of this year and now stands at just under 10.88 million. This decline is due to both a higher number of deaths compared to births and a negative migration balance.
As Michaela Němečková from the Statistical Office (ČSÚ) explains, the number of deaths exceeded the number of births by around 12,600. In addition, the country recorded a negative balance in foreign migration of around 20,100 people.
In detail, 18,100 children were born between January and March, representing a decline of 2,900 or 14 per cent compared to the same period last year. This continues the four-year trend of declining birth rates. Most newborns are born to women born between 1993 and 1996. Almost half of the children (48.1 per cent) were born outside marriage.
The number of deaths rose slightly: the country recorded a total of 30,600 deaths, just under 1,000 more than in the first quarter of 2024. Older age groups are particularly affected, especially people between the ages of 75 and 84, with the highest mortality rates in the 75–79 and 80–84 age groups.
There is also a downward trend in marriages. In the first quarter, 3,000 marriages were concluded, which is 12 per cent less than in the previous year and marks the third consecutive decline. Most grooms were between 30 and 34 years old, and most brides were between 25 and 29. The number of divorces remained almost constant at 4,900, decreasing only minimally by two per cent. Three out of five divorced couples had at least one minor child together.
In terms of migration, the Czech Republic again recorded a negative balance of 20,100 people in the first quarter. The main reason for this is the high number of people whose residence permits have expired – especially those Ukrainians who had their international protection status revoked at the end of March. A total of 46,300 people emigrated, which is a decrease of 6,100 compared to the previous year. At the same time, 26,200 people moved to the Czech Republic, 2,400 fewer than in the same period in 2024. Ukrainian citizens continue to account for the majority of immigration and emigration.
