Portugal's Birth Rate Takes a Notable Dip: What It Means for the Future

Decline in Births

The latest statistics for June reveal a 4.4% decrease in births (down by 305) compared to the same month in 2023, and a 5.9% drop (down by 415) from May, with a total of 6,665 live births recorded.

Year-to-Date Birth Trends

In the first half of the year, the National Statistics Institute (INE) reported 40,725 births, which is 688 fewer births (-1.7%) than in the same period last year. The natural balance (the difference between births and deaths) remains negative at -20,794, worsening from -19,138 in the first half of 2023.

Marriage Rates on the Rise

Interestingly, marriages in June increased by 3.6% (140 more) compared to 2023, totaling 3,976 marriages—a 10% increase compared to May, as highlighted by the INE.

Increase in Deaths

Conversely, the number of deaths in Portugal rose by 8.9% in July compared to July 2023, totaling 9,528 deaths, of which 304 (3.2%) were attributed to Covid-19. In total, the mortality rate for the first seven months of the year reached 71,210, which is 1,770 more (2.5%) than the same period in 2023.