Poland's population shrinks to 37.3 million: stats office

Poland’s population decreased to 37.3 million at the end of last year, down by 157,000 from a year earlier, the country’s statistics office has reported

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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

New data show that the demographic decline is accelerating faster than previously expected, with population levels nearly matching those once projected for 2031, Statistics Poland (GUS) said.

The country recorded 168,000 more deaths than births last year, marking the 13th consecutive year in which deaths outnumbered births.

“These are long-term changes that we will not be able to reverse," said Anita Abramowska-Kmon, a demography expert at GUS.

“That is why we must focus on the people who are already here—on their health and quality of life," she added, urging coordinated action by the government, institutions and individuals.

(mo/gs)

Click on the audio player above for a report by Michał Owczarek.