Lithuania is facing a rapid decline in the birth rate, and is already in demographic collapse. This is reported by local media.
It is noted that the birth rate in Lithuania remains one of the worst in the European Union: approximately 20 thousand more people die per year than are born. The situation in the regions is particularly bad. So, over the decade, the birth rate in the city of Siauliai in the north of the country has almost halved — from about 1.1 thousand to 600 births per year.
“Women give birth at a later age, families increasingly want to have one or two children. Probably, this problem is typical for the whole of Lithuania,” said Monica Stasyunaite, acting head of the Mother and Child Clinic.
In general, the birth rate in Lithuania has decreased by a third over the decade. According to economist Algirdas Bartkus, despite the population decline, a certain number of medical and educational institutions will still have to be maintained in the regions, which will mean significant costs.
Recall, according to the Department of Statistics, the birth rate in Lithuania is steadily declining. In 2022, 22,068 children were born, in 2023 — 20,623, in 2024 — 19,086.