More Young Croats Die Than Are Born

In Croatia, in 2005, 42,492 babies were born, which is 5.4 percent more than in 2004, mothers delay first births.

Out of the total number 51.2 percent is made up by boys, while there are 48.8 percent of girls, the Central Bureau of Statistics report states.

The information point to the continuation of a slight increase of children which still has not reached the numbers from year 2000, when as many as 43,746 children were born.

There are most first-born, even 46.2 percent, while 6.2 percent of fourth or more born children. But, the average age of first-time mothers grew since 1995, when they gave birth for the first time at 23-4 years until 2005, when the limit shifted to 26.5.

But, the number of deaths still outnumbers the number of births, that is, 9,298 people died more than there were born.

If Croatia plans in 50 years` time to have the same number of citizens, the number of born babies should increase by 50 percent, at least.

Most people, as earlier, died because of circulatory system diseases and tumours.