Czech Republic’s Population Declines Slightly in First Half of 2026

The Czech Republic recorded a slight population decline in the first six months of 2026. The main reason was the continuing large gap between the number of births and deaths.

The population of the Czech Republic fell to just under 10.904 million in the first half of 2026. Although more people moved to the country than left it, immigration was unable to offset the natural population decline. At the end of June, around 12,200 fewer people were living in the Czech Republic than at the beginning of the year. This is according to preliminary figures from the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ).

The decisive factor behind the decline was once again the significantly higher number of deaths compared with births. While 36,500 children were born alive in the first half of the year, 57,600 people died. This resulted in a natural population decline of 21,100 people. Positive net migration of 8,900 people was only able to mitigate this development.

Birth Rate Falls for Fifth Consecutive Year

Between January and June, 36,500 children were born. This was 1,800, or five per cent, fewer than during the same period last year. The number of births has therefore fallen for the fifth consecutive year. However, the latest decline was less pronounced than in previous years, when birth numbers fell by between eight and ten per cent.

Most children were born to women aged between 30 and 32. Among first-time mothers, most were aged between 27 and 29. As in the first half of 2025, 53 per cent of children were born to married women.

Fewer Deaths Than Last Year

In the first six months of the year, 57,600 residents of the Czech Republic died. This was around 400, or one per cent, fewer than during the same period last year. Most of those who died were born between 1941 and 1948. By age group, the highest figures were recorded among people aged between 80 and 84, with 10,600 deaths, and among those aged between 75 and 79, with 10,400 deaths.

Net Migration Rises Significantly

International migration resulted in a population increase of 8,900 people in the first half of the year. A total of 53,900 people moved to the Czech Republic, while 45,000 left the country.

The largest net migration gain was recorded among Philippine nationals, with an increase of 2,500 people. They were followed by Ukrainian nationals, with an increase of 2,200, and Slovak nationals, with 1,800 people.