Moldova’s population continues to decline and there are no visible signs of improvement. It is the cumulative result of the evolution of fertility, mortality and external migration during the past two decades. These are the conclusions presented in the January 29 meeting of the Cabinet in connection with the institution of the National Commission for Population and Development that will be chaired by Prime Minister Ion Chicu, assisted by the minister of health, labor and social protection, IPN reports.

“The socioeconomic crisis that caused the massive exodus of the population looking for a job abroad and the subsequent transformation of temporary migration into definitive migration caused enormous damage to the demographic potential of the Republic of Moldova. This way, in 2004-2014, the population decreased by 393,000 (about 12%), from 3.262 million to 2.869 million. The population at the start of 2019 was estimated at 2.681 million,” said Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection Viorica Dumbrăveanu, noting that the annual decline rate is of 1.8%.

The instituted commission will monitor the demographic priorities and risks for Moldova and  will work out and promote state policies on population development.