Czech population falls by nearly 20,000 in first quarter

The population of Czechia fell by almost 19,800 during the first quarter of 2026 to 10.896 million, according to the Czech Statistical Office. The decline was driven by both natural population decrease and net migration. Some 30,100 people died while only 17,500 children were born, continuing a five-year decline in birth rates. Migration also contributed to the drop, with about 36,500 people leaving the country and 29,200 arriving. The statistical office said the negative migration balance was largely linked to the expiry of temporary protection for many Ukrainian refugees.