Czechia's population reaches almost 11 million amid lowest birth rate in history

Czechia’s total population increased by 8,900 in 2024, reaching a post-World War II high of 10,909,500, according to preliminary data released by the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) on Thursday. The birth rate, however, dropped to its smallest figure in the country's history.

The population growth was driven entirely by foreign migration, with 36,800 new residents arriving. However, this was offset by a natural decrease of 27,900, as the number of deaths continued to outpace live births for the sixth consecutive year.

A record-low 84,311 live births were recorded in 2024. This figure represents an 8 percent decline from 2023 and breaks the previous low of 89,471 in 1999. “The number of live births in 2024 significantly decreased for the third time in a row,” said Michaela Němečková from the ČSÚ’s Department of Demographic Statistics.

The fertility rate also fell to an estimated 1.37 children per woman, 0.1 lower than the previous year. Declines were seen across all birth orders: first-borns (down 9 percent), second-borns (down 7 percent), and third or higher-order children (down 5 percent).

A total of 112,200 deaths were recorded in 2024, slightly down from the previous year by about 1 percent. Most deaths occurred in January and December. The largest number of deaths occurred among individuals aged 75 to 84. Preliminary data suggests a modest increase in life expectancy for both men and women.

The number of marriages dropped for the second consecutive year, with 44,500 couples marrying—a decline of 8 percent from 2023. Meanwhile, divorces rose to 20,800, a 7 percent increase. More than half of these involved couples with minor children.

Migration levels declined significantly from 2023. While 121,800 people immigrated to the Czech Republic, nearly 85,000 left—many of whom were former holders of temporary protection, primarily related to the war in Ukraine.

Prague is the only region in Czechia in which the population grew by natural increase last year. In all the other regions, the number of deaths was higher than that of births. 

Thanks to migration, the population of the capital city increased by 12,855 people last year, as 62,689 people moved in and 49,834 moved out.

Despite the gains from migration, the Czech Republic continues to face long-term demographic challenges driven by persistently low birth rates and an aging population.