Demographics: twice as many deaths as births recorded in January
New data from Poland’s Central Statistical Office (GUS) shows a sharp decline in births, with only 21,000 children born in January 2025, a 12.4% drop year-over-year. The 12-month birth total fell below 250,000 for the first time in history, while deaths nearly double births at 41,000. Even migrant births (14,000 in the past year) have not offset the decline.
Experts warn that Poland’s fertility rate could drop below 1.0 within 1-2 years, leading to severe long-term consequences. Factors include housing crises, job instability, financial insecurity, cultural shifts, and declining relationships. Similar trends are seen worldwide, with South Korea and Chile experiencing drastic declines. Poland must find solutions to reverse the demographic downturn before it worsens.
