Population of Czech Republic reaches 10.5 million

In the first quarter of 2010, the Czech population grew by 2,600, reaching just over 10.5 million. According to data that the Czech Statistical Office published on its website on Monday, a seven-year trend of population growth continues with 28,600 newborns in the first three months of 2010, 382 more than during the same period in the previous year. The number of marriages continues to be on the decline, with a drop of nearly 800 as compared to the first quarter of 2008. The average age of grooms and brides was 32 years and 28 years, respectively.