Croatia records nearly 1,000 more births in first seven months

ZAGREB, 1 September 2026 – A total of 924 more children were born in Croatia during the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to data highlighted by the Croatian Ministry of Demography and Immigration.

The ministry also pointed to a notable increase in July, when the number of live births exceeded 3,000 for the first time in six years.

The figures have been described by the ministry as encouraging, although it stressed that they should be viewed with caution given the long-term nature of demographic trends.

The increase comes against the backdrop of decades of declining birth rates, emigration and population ageing in Croatia.

According to the ministry, the latest figures are a positive indicator of the direction in which demographic measures are moving, but a single year’s data cannot by itself be interpreted as a reversal of Croatia’s long-term demographic decline.

Focus on families and housing

Croatia’s demographic policies are currently focused on three main areas: increasing the number of births, helping young families remain in the country and supporting the return of Croatian citizens who have emigrated.

The government has also strengthened its maternity and parental support system and expanded housing programmes aimed at young families.

The Ministry of Demography and Immigration says its objective is to create conditions in which starting a family is supported rather than becoming a significant financial or social burden.

Minister of Demography and Immigration Ivan Šipić said the latest figures should be viewed both with optimism and as a responsibility.

“Behind each of these numbers stands a family and a new life,” Šipić said.

He stressed that demographic challenges accumulated over decades could not be resolved within a single year or political mandate.

“Every child born confirms that investing in families makes sense and that we must continue along this path,” he said.

Šipić also highlighted the rise above 3,000 births in July, saying the government hoped it would prove to be an indication of a positive trend.

Long-term challenge

The ministry said it would continue monitoring demographic indicators and regularly report on developments, while also assessing the impact of individual measures.

The aim is to direct public funding towards programmes that have the greatest effect on the quality of life of families, particularly in areas such as parental support and housing security.

While the latest figures provide a more positive short-term picture, Croatia continues to face significant long-term demographic challenges, making sustained changes in birth rates, migration and population structure important for the country’s future.