Croatia’s demographic bright spot: Makarska among just six towns recording more births than deaths

Makarska

Makarska has recorded a rare demographic positive in Croatia, becoming one of only six cities or towns in the country where more people were born than died in 2025.

Official statistics show that 146 children were born in Makarska last year, while 131 people died, producing a natural increase of 15 residents.

The result marks a significant change from 2024, when the coastal city recorded 26 more deaths than births. The number of births increased from 111 in 2024 to 146 in 2025, an increase of almost one-third.

The other Croatian towns recording positive natural growth in 2025 were Dugo Selo, Solin, Metković, Imotski and Kaštela, according to data from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics.

Makarska’s figures are particularly notable against the wider demographic picture facing Croatia, where population ageing, emigration and low birth rates remain long-term challenges.

The city authorities have linked the improvement to policies aimed at families, children and young people.

One of the most significant developments has been investment in early childhood education. A new kindergarten, Maslina, opened several years ago, while an extension of the Ciciban kindergarten is due to open shortly.

The city says all children who meet the conditions for kindergarten enrolment currently have places available to them.

Makarska has also invested in primary education and sports infrastructure, while scholarships have been increased for students. The city additionally provides support to secondary-school students training as nurses and medical technicians, occupations considered to be in shortage.

Further investment is planned in facilities for children with developmental difficulties, while the city has ambitions to expand higher education opportunities and eventually establish a student campus.

The figures do not by themselves demonstrate a permanent demographic reversal. A single year of positive natural growth cannot reverse decades of demographic decline.

However, Makarska’s result offers an unusual example of a Croatian urban centre where births temporarily exceeded deaths and where local authorities are attempting to combine family support, education and infrastructure policies.

“Given the difficult demographic situation in almost all of Croatia, positive indicators are a great incentive for us to continue in the same direction – primarily by investing in youth and education, as well as in all projects that make Makarska a desirable city to live in and a city to live in all year round,” emphasized the Mayor of Makarska, Zoran Paunović.