GUS: Poland's population declines by over 27,000 y/y

By end-June, Poland's population totaled 38,422,000, dropping by 15,000 compared to six months before, and by 27,000 year-on-year, according to preliminary calculations of the Central Statistical Office (GUS). GUS figures show that some 191,000 children were born in the first six months of 2016, which is 10,000 more year-on-year. Also, more Poles decided to get married between January and end-June 2016, with numbers reaching 74,000, growing by 5,000 y/y. According to demographic analysis presented in the Sejm in April, the Polish population is likely to increase by 1.7 million by 2050 due to "The Family 500+" benefit program. "There is a demographic crisis, it is a fact. Demographic depression lasts at least 25 years. Fertility rates are dramatically low, so it was necessary to try to change it. And "The Family 500+" changes it," said Elżbieta Rafalska, Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy in April.