The Republic of Moldova witnesses the highest negative population growth – the difference between births and deaths - in the country’s history. Since 1996, the natural population increase has been negative almost each year, but the situation the past three years became dramatic and will affect the country’s security in the future, said economic expert of the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives “Viitorul” Veaceslav Ioniță, who analyzed data of the National Bureau of Statistics.
According to him, the size of Moldova’s population at the moment is similar to that of 1956. The most significant reduction in the number of Moldovans in the country’s history was recorded in 2021-2022. This considerable decline was due to the negative growth of the population that diminished each year and to the emigration of Moldovans.
“About 88,000 people left the country in the period. In 2021, the number of births was by 16,000 higher than the number of deaths. This is an absolute record in the history of the Republic of Moldova. In 2022, the number of births was by 9,200 lower than of deaths. Our population during three yeas decreased most dramatically,” stated Veaceslav Ioniță.
In 1970, the population older than 60 represented 9.7%, in 2010 - 14%, in 2020 – 21.7%, while in 2022 – 23.8%.
The economic expert also said that the average age of a woman who gave birth to the first child in 2005 was 22.4, but now is close to 25. Since 2015, the number of women who give birth after 35 has grown significantly.
The expert also said that 103,000 children were born in Moldova in 1950, which is the highest birth rate. In 1986, 94,700 children were born and the figures grew for the first time after 35 years of declines. Since 1986, the number of births decreased until close to 2000, when 37,400 children were born. In 2015, there were born 45,500 children, in 2020 - 34,300, in 2022 – 30,000. It is estimated that 26,100 children will be born in 2025, while in 2030 the figure will stand at 22,800.
Veaceslav Ioniță said the demographic problem is typical not only for Moldova. The whole Europe sees a negative population growth, IPN reports.
