Birth Rate in Armenia Drops by 7.6%, Mortality Rises by 6.3% in First Seven Months of 2024

According to data from the Statistical Committee of Armenia, concerning demographic trends have been observed in the country during the first seven months of 2024, with a rise in mortality rates and a decline in birth rates.

From January to July 2024, 15,166 people passed away in Armenia, marking a 6.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The leading cause of death remains cardiovascular diseases, which claimed 8,151 lives (53.8% of all deaths). Neoplasms were the second most common cause, accounting for 3,039 deaths (20% of cases).

Significant increases in mortality were recorded for digestive diseases (up by 20.9%), endocrine system disorders (up by 10.9%), and respiratory illnesses (up by 10.5%). Particularly alarming is the 50% increase in deaths from infectious diseases.

Simultaneously, Armenia saw a decline in the birth rate. In the first seven months of 2024, 18,632 children were born, representing a 7.6% drop compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease in birth rates has been ongoing since the beginning of the year.

A worrying aspect is the 9.7% rise in stillbirths, with 227 cases reported compared to the previous year.

As a result of these trends, the vitality index (the ratio of births to deaths) has dropped to 122.9%, down from 141.2% during the same period last year.