engleski

Croatia in Demographic Crisis - Is There a Solution?

One of the most significant contemporary problems that Croatia is faced with is certainly the present demographic situation. The severity of the problem has particularly been stressed since 2001 Census, which only reflected the results of long-term negative demographic trends that started in 1960s and were additionally worsened by the war during the 1990s. The number of inhabitants decreased and it is at the same level as it was during 1970s. Furthermore, the age composition shows considerable ageing of the population. Although the situation is somewhat better compared to other countries in transition, it is still designated as critical. The most significant factors that induced this situation are over a century long (mostly economic) emigration, which started at the end of 19th century and particularly intensified during 1970s, and continuing natural growth decline which has been negative for over a decade. Of course, the intensity of these processes differs regionally and the negative effects of these processes are particularly noticeable in less developed and war-affected areas. Successful implementation of socio-economic development strategy of Croatia is impossible without resolving these problems, so one of the main goals of the newly-elected government is to make all efforts to reverse these negative trends. The proposed pro-birth population policy has many drawbacks, so it should be improved by following the successful examples in this field and combined with immigration population policy.

Croatia ; negative natural growth rate ; emigration ; depopulation ; ageing

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