The population of the Czech Republic reached 10.91 million in 2024, marking its highest level since the end of World War II, according to the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ). This increase of approximately 8,900 people was driven entirely by foreign migration.
The number of births in the country, however, fell to a new historical low. A total of 84,311 children were born, the smallest figure ever recorded. The ČSÚ has been tracking population statistics since 1785. The population’s growth due to migration was 36,800 people, while the natural change—defined as the difference between births and deaths—resulted in a decrease of 27,900 people. This decline was similar to that observed in 2021, which also saw a record number of deaths. However, the steep natural decrease last year was mainly attributed to the low birth rate.
“In 2024, the number of children born significantly decreased, marking the third consecutive year of decline. The annual figure of 84,311 is a new historical low, surpassing the previous record from 1999, which was 89,471,” said Michaela Němečková from the demographic statistics department of ČSÚ. Last year, the number of deaths stood at 112,000, slightly fewer than in 2023.
For the second consecutive year, the number of marriages saw a notable drop, with 44,500 couples tying the knot. Most newlyweds were from the generation born in 1993. In contrast, the number of divorces increased, with ČSÚ recording 20,800 divorces. The majority of divorces occurred after four to seven years of marriage, and less than three-fifths of divorced couples had children under the age of 18. Approximately 19,300 minor children were impacted by divorce.
Foreign migration saw a decrease of 57,800 compared to the previous year. A total of 121,800 people immigrated, still a significant increase compared to pre-Ukraine war figures. Meanwhile, about 85,000 people emigrated, 38,400 more than in 2023. Most of those who left were individuals whose temporary protection status in the Czech Republic had expired.
