The real number of Moldova’s population is under 3 million at a time when the National Bureau of Statistics at the start of 2015 reported a population of 3.555 million, said the Center for Demographic Research that on July 10 launched the first Demographic Barometer on the real number of Moldova’s population, in concert with the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family and UNFPA, IPN reports.

In the launch event, Center for Demographic Research director Olga Gagauz said there is a discrepancy between the data presented by the National Bureau of Statistics and the population census of 2014, which showed that there were 2.913 million people in Moldova.

“The Bureau does calculations based on the census taken in 1989, in the Soviet period, which covered also the population of Transnistria. The census of 2004 showed the population was 3.330 million, without the Transnistrians. In the Soviet period, the current migration phenomenon didn’t exist,” explained Olga Gagauz.

According to the Center for Demographic Research’ report, the total fertility rate and life expectancy were calculated incorrectly. “Our data show that the fertility rate is 1.65 children per woman, while the Bureau put it at 1.28. The Center’s calculations show that life expectancy for men is 64.6, while for women – 73.2. The Bureau’s data show life expectancy for men is 67.24, while for women – 74.99 lei,” said Olga Gagauz.

The Center for Demographic Research recommended the National Bureaus of Statistics to review the population figures and to take into account the migration flow and the stable population.

The Center for Demographic Research forms part of the National Institute of Economic Research of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova.