A recent report by the Czech Statistical Office has revealed that the population of Prague is the only region in the Czech Republic where the birth rate is higher than the death rate. In 2022, the population of Prague increased by 10,714 people, reaching a total of 1,286,120 inhabitants. The increase was mainly due to migration, with 41,605 people moving to the city while 31,187 residents moved away, resulting in a positive migration balance of 10,418 people.

According to the report, 13,103 babies were born in Prague last year, while 12,807 deaths were recorded, resulting in a natural increase of 296 residents. The number of women in Prague is slightly higher than men, with women accounting for 51.1% of the city’s population. Additionally, the city registered 6,891 marriages and 2,271 divorces in the past year.

However, the report does not include Ukrainian refugees in its official statistics. The Czech Statistical Office states that 101,000 people received temporary protection visas in Prague, but it is unclear how many stayed in the city by the end of the year. Estimates suggest that around 72,000 Ukrainian refugees may have remained in the city.

Furthermore, the report also fails to account for people who permanently live in Prague but are officially registered elsewhere. It is estimated that around 200-300,000 people fall into this category. Despite these factors, Prague remains the second most populous region in the Czech Republic, with the Central Bohemian Region being the most populous.

The population of the entire Czech Republic increased by 16,700 people to 10.533 million inhabitants in 2022, but again, these figures do not include Ukrainian refugees. The report highlights the importance of migration in the growth of the Czech Republic’s population, with the country relying on immigration to maintain its population levels in recent years.

Overall, the report provides insight into the population trends in Prague and the Czech Republic as a whole. While the birth rate exceeds the death rate in Prague, migration remains a crucial factor in the city’s population growth. The inclusion of refugees and unregistered residents could provide a more accurate picture of the city’s population and its future demographic trends.

Article by Prague Forum