Today.Az » Society » Unprecedented Baby Boom in Azerbaijan
10 February 2012 [15:36] - Today.Az
Roughly 176 000 children were born in Azerbaijan in 2011, which is the highest figure for the past seventeen years, the State Statistics Committee reported. In 2010, the figure was 165 600 and in 2009 - just over 152 000.
According to official statistics, the birth rate per 1 000 peoples increased from 18.5 to 19.4 compared to 2010. Some 53.8 percent of babies are boys and 46.2 percent – girls. Last year, can also be described as a "fruitful" for twins and triplets. During the reporting period, 1506 twins and 33 triplets were born in Azerbaijan.
Demographic figures are even more impressive when considered in a long time range. Thus, in 2011 the birth rate rose from 13.7 to 19.3 per 1000 compared to the previous ten years, while the mortality rate decreased from 6.2 to 5.8. The natural increase at the same time increased from 8.1 to 13.5, which is the highest among European countries. In turn, the average life expectancy also increased from 71.9 to 73.6 years. Thus, in early 2012 the country's population increased by 123 900 people and made 9 235 000 people.
Local experts call the observed process a "demographic explosion" and explain that the country also observed the positive balance of births 22-25 years ago. This generation grew up, young people have families, and children are born. Another reason is the migration factor: people, who once fled the country because of political and economic instability, return back.
However, Parliamentary Social Policy Committee Chairman Hadi Rajabli believes that the trend of the baby boom in Azerbaijan has more solid fundamentals. The economy is on the rise, comprehensive measures to strengthen social protection and welfare of the population are taken. Income per capita doubled in the period between 2000 and 2011. The national currency, which is very important macroeconomic indicator, is able to maintain the stability. The state's efforts are manifested in the opening of new jobs, increasing wages, social benefits, etc. The reduction of infant mortality thanks to developing infrastructure, upgrading of health facilities and improving the quality of medical services also plays an important role.
In a nutshell, Azerbaijan really had good results in 2011. The improving demographic situation indicates greater confidence of our people in the future.
/Day.Az/
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