Naslov
Reproductive changes in the population of the Republic of Croatia

Autori
Ileš, Marija ; Karačić, Domagoj

Izvornik
Athens Journal of Social Sciences (2241-7737) 10 (2022); 1-16

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Reproductive changes ; Fertility ; Republic of Croatia ; Total fertility rate

Sažetak
Knowledge of demographic trends is the basis for policy formation, both economic, social, health, etc., and population policies. The Republic of Croatia has been facing demographic problems for many years, primarily an increase in the elderly population while at the same time reducing the reproductive base and the number of young people. Croatia is one of the countries in the post- transition phase of population characteristics, characterized by the transition of the total fertility rate from a low positive rate to a level that no longer ensures generational renewal and the mortality rate determined by increasing life expectancy. In the Republic of Croatia, fertility is measured by the periodic total fertility rate, which shows the average expected number of live births that a woman would give birth to during the fertile age (15 to 49 years). The total fertility rate of 2.1 children is often mentioned in the literature and by the public as the numerical level of generational replacement, while the Republic of Croatia has been recording a total fertility rate below that level for decades, i.e. 1.48 (2020). Another important feature of the post-transition feature is delayed birth. The age limit for marriage and the readiness to have a first child is increasing. The average age of a mother at the birth of her first child increased from 23.5 years (1960) to 30.7 years (2018), significantly reducing a woman’s reproductive period. Due to numerous factors, there was a decrease in the number of live births from 95, 560 children in 1960 to 35, 845 children in 2020, which is a decrease in the number of live births by 59, 715. The subject of this paper is a study of reproductive determinants of population development in the Republic of Croatia, with an emphasis on determining the influential factors of fertility and quantitative presentation of demographic indicators. This paper aims to find the cause of reduced fertility. Therefore, this paper will be analyzed the factors that influence fertility. Due to the resulting birth deficit, it is necessary to take measures of pro-natalist policy. Therefore, the concluding remarks will provide recommendations for improving the demographic picture in the Republic of Croatia, in the context of encouraging births and increasing fertility.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Ekonomija

POVEZANOST RADA