Decline in Births and Marriages Continues in Budapest, Hungary, While Demographic Shift Remains Elusive

Published: December 18 2023

The decline in births and marriages continues to be a concerning trend in Budapest, Hungary. Despite some fluctuations, the overall demographic shift remains elusive. In this article, we will explore the latest statistics and factors contributing to this decline.

According to the Central Statistical Office, there were 6,780 births in November 2023, which is a 6.9% decrease compared to the previous year. However, it is worth noting that there were also fewer deaths during the same period, resulting in a slower natural population decline compared to the previous year.

Although there was a slight increase in marriages during the autumn months, the overall trend shows a significant decrease in marriages since last year. From January to November 2023, there were 2,480 fewer births compared to the same period in 2022, indicating a 3.1% decrease. The total fertility rate has also decreased from 1.53 to 1.51.

One possible factor contributing to the decline in marriages is the stricter regulations surrounding the government's "babaváró" credit scheme, which provides financial support for young couples starting a family. The recent modifications to the scheme may have led to fewer eligible couples being able to access the support, resulting in a decrease in the number of marriages.

The decrease in births and marriages in Budapest, Hungary continues to be a cause for concern. While there have been some fluctuations in the data, the overall demographic shift remains elusive. Further analysis and efforts to understand the underlying factors contributing to this decline are necessary to develop strategies to promote population growth and stability in the future.

How many births were recorded in November 2023 in Budapest, Hungary? There were 6780 births recorded in November 2023 in Budapest, Hungary, which was 6.9% less compared to the previous year.

Has the number of marriages been decreasing in Budapest, Hungary? Yes, the number of marriages has been decreasing in Budapest, Hungary. It significantly decreased since last year, although there seems to be a slight increase in marriage rates during the autumn months.

Were there fewer births and deaths in November 2023 compared to the same month last year in Budapest, Hungary? Yes, there were fewer births and deaths in November 2023 compared to the same month last year in Budapest, Hungary. According to preliminary data, there were 6780 births and 10,351 deaths, resulting in a 6.9% decrease in births and a 5.6% decrease in deaths compared to November 2022.

Has the natural population decline slowed down in Budapest, Hungary? Yes, the natural population decline has somewhat slowed down in Budapest, Hungary. Compared to the previous year, the natural population decline was 3571 individuals in November 2023, which is less than the 3678 individuals in November 2022.

How does the number of births in January to November 2023 compare to the same period last year in Budapest, Hungary? There were 2480 fewer births in January to November 2023 compared to the same period last year in Budapest, Hungary, indicating a 3.1% decrease.

Has the total fertility rate decreased in Budapest, Hungary? Yes, the total fertility rate has decreased in Budapest, Hungary. It decreased from 1.53 to 1.51 births per woman.

Did the number of deaths decrease more than the number of births in Budapest, Hungary? Yes, the number of deaths decreased more than the number of births in Budapest, Hungary. As a result, the natural population decline was 36,371 individuals, which is 15% lower than the 42,756 individuals in January to November 2022.

Did marriage rates increase at the end of the year in Budapest, Hungary? Yes, marriage rates increased at the end of the year in Budapest, Hungary. In November 2023, 3107 couples got married, which was only 2.2% less compared to the previous year. This is unusual considering the significant decrease in marriage rates in 2023, particularly in the first half of the year.

What could be the reason for the increase in marriage rates in autumn in Budapest, Hungary? One possible explanation for the increase in marriage rates in autumn in Budapest, Hungary could be the tightening of the conditions for the "babaváró hitel" (baby waiting loan), which was announced by the government in the summer. Due to the modifications, many people are no longer eligible for the loan starting from January 2024. Therefore, those young couples where the wife is under 30 or between 30-40 years old and can prove pregnancy can still apply for the support until December 31, 2024. From 2025 onwards, only those under 30 can avail the assistance.

How have live births changed since the introduction of the "babaváró hitel" (baby waiting loan) in Budapest, Hungary? Since the introduction of the "babaváró hitel" (baby waiting loan) in July 2019, live births have followed the following pattern: