Regional updates: School starts, demographic shifts, and new baby name trends

The start of the 2026/2027 school year is marked by varying demographic and social trends across the region. In Tomislavgrad, there is a notable increase in returning families, particularly from Germany, leading to a rise in student enrollment at OŠ Marka Marulića. To assist with rising costs, the Municipality of Tomislavgrad has announced financial aid: 200 KM for first-graders and 50 KM for students in grades two through nine.

In Croatia, birth statistics for the first half of 2026 show 16,457 children born. The most popular male name is Jakov, while Rita has emerged as the most popular female name, surpassing previous trends.

In Slovenia, the new school year began with over 186,000 primary school students and 88,000 high school students. Minister Borut Rončević visited Loka Primary School to address students and teachers, announcing upcoming measures to improve educational conditions. This year, first-year students also received copies of the Slovenian Constitution, an initiative that sparked some debate and an incident in Postojna where copies were vandalized.