Armenia’s crude rate of natural increase fell to its lowest point ever under the current government, comprising only 1,077 people in 2020. The decline is connected with the unprecedented number of deaths due to the coronavirus pandemic and the Artsakh war.
According to official statistics, 36,448 people were born and 35,371 people died in the country last year.
Incidentally, in 2019 the natural increase rate was 9,855 (36,041 born, 26,186 dead), while in 2018 it was 10,823 (36,574 born, 25,751 dead).
In 2017 Armenia’s rate of natural increase was 10,600 people, in 2016 – 12,400 people and in 2015 – 13,900 people.
Despite the huge number of deaths, the permanent population of Armenia has increased by 4,400. As of the end of 2019, the country’s de jure population stood at 2,959,700 people, at the end of 2020 – 2,964,100 people.
The figures released by the Statistical Committee show that a positive migration balance – 3,300 people – had a significant impact on the increase of the de jure population. However, this was linked to the strict coronavirus restrictions in Armenia which prevented many workers from leaving the country.
Protests were held outside the Armenian government building throughout last summer, with its participants demanding a permission to leave for Russia. In previous years, a negative migration balance was recorded, that is, more people left the country than returned. In 2018 the balance was -18.2 and in 2019 -15.4.
It can be stated that the restrictions helped keep the Armenians at home. However, as they have already been eased, the negative migration balance has been restored.
According to the data provided by the Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport, the number of people leaving Armenia by air in the first 4 months of 2021 was 76,677 more than the number of those arriving in the country. In January-April, a total of 240,891 people left and 164,214 others arrived in Armenia.
