In 2022, mortality in the Czech Republic decreased year-on-year in all age groups above 35, according to preliminary data from the Czech Statistical Office (CSU). Approximately 120,100 people died in 2022, which is a decrease of 14% compared to the year before. The death rate in the age group between 55 and 79 dropped by about one-fifth, resulting in a general increase in life expectancy in the country. Men’s life expectancy increased by two years to 76.1, and women’s life expectancy increased by about 1.5 years to 82.

The COVID-19 pandemic had caused a decrease in life expectancy in 2020 and 2021, but it has now returned to the levels seen in 2018. Although the number of deaths in 2022 dropped significantly, it still remained above the average for the years 2015-2019. The demographic structure of the population and aging were cited as contributing factors to the numbers. The highest number of deaths was recorded in December with 12,100, followed by January with 11,000 deaths, while the fewest deaths were recorded in June with 8,800.

The number of deaths dropped across all regions in the Czech Republic, with the most significant decrease seen in the Karlovy Vary Region at 23%, and the smallest decrease seen in the Vysocina Region at 9%. In Prague, the number of deaths increased by 4% compared to the five-year average before the COVID-19 epidemic.

In conclusion, the Czech mortality rate decreased in 2022, resulting in an increase in the average life expectancy of both men and women. The decrease in mortality is a positive trend and reflects the improved healthcare and medical facilities in the country. It is hoped that the trend will continue in the coming years and that the population’s health and well-being will continue to improve.

Article by Prague Forum