Poland and Czech Republic confront sharp demographic decline

Both Poland and the Czech Republic are experiencing historic drops in birth rates and rapid population ageing. In the Czech Republic, the number of newborns fell to 77,636 in 2025 – the lowest level since the 18th century – and the total fertility rate slipped to 1.28 children per woman, well below the 2.1 needed for natural replacement. Women are delaying parenthood, with the average age of first‑time mothers approaching 29, while high housing costs, inflation and economic uncertainty add to the reluctance to have children.

Poland’s demographic picture is similarly bleak. Official estimates for 2025 show the population at 37.3 million, a 0.4 % decline from the previous year, with only 238,300 live births, a 5.4 % drop year‑on‑year. The total fertility rate is 1.07, placing Poland among the world’s lowest. The median age has risen to 43.8 years, making it one of the fastest‑aging societies globally. Analysts note that internal migration to larger cities and increasing immigration – chiefly from Ukraine, Belarus, India and Turkey – are offsetting the decline in some urban markets, though foreign buyers account for just about 3 % of housing transactions. The combined trends raise concerns about future labour shortages, pension system strain and the need for policy responses.