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.
