ZAGREB, 21 Feb (Hina) - Between 1991 and 1998 Croatia lost 410,000 of its residents, receiving at the same time about 150,000 new residents from other areas of the former Yugoslavia, primarily from Bosnia-Herzegovina. These are the
results of a study on population losses caused by the aggression against Croatia, carried out by Croatian researchers, headed by Dr Andjelko Akrap, for Zagreb's Institute for Social Sciences "Ivo Pilar". Akrap and his colleagues last year carried out the study on population movements in Croatia for the period between the 1991 census and June 1998. According to the 1991 census, Croatia had a population of 4,499,049, while in June 1998 it had 4,224,418 residents. Akrap, who is a demographer at the Zagreb Faculty of Economy, says that the aggression on Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina had caused intensive migrations, which in turn left deep traces in Croatia's demographic
ZAGREB, 21 Feb (Hina) - Between 1991 and 1998 Croatia lost 410,000
of its residents, receiving at the same time about 150,000 new
residents from other areas of the former Yugoslavia, primarily from
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
These are the results of a study on population losses caused by the
aggression against Croatia, carried out by Croatian researchers,
headed by Dr Andjelko Akrap, for Zagreb's Institute for Social
Sciences "Ivo Pilar".
Akrap and his colleagues last year carried out the study on
population movements in Croatia for the period between the 1991
census and June 1998.
According to the 1991 census, Croatia had a population of
4,499,049, while in June 1998 it had 4,224,418 residents. Akrap,
who is a demographer at the Zagreb Faculty of Economy, says that the
aggression on Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina had caused intensive
migrations, which in turn left deep traces in Croatia's demographic
image.
Population decreases have not been registered only in Split-
Dalmatia, Zadar, Dubrovnik-Neretva and Medjimurje counties.
The capital of Zagreb has received 42,315 new residents, mainly
from Bosnia-Herzegovina. In March 1998, the town itself, according
to the study, had 762,000 residents. With the exception of 1996
(with slightly more positive trends), negative demographic
movements were constantly being registered in the capital between
1992 and 1997.
Since the 19th century, Croatia's population has been emigrating,
mainly to overseas countries and western Europe. "Emigration
waves, especially those in the 60's and 70's, were as fatal for
Croatia's demographic balance as World War II", Akrap said.
According to the latest study, about 130,000 Croats have left
Croatia, mainly for western European and overseas countries. About
280,000 Serbs have also left the country, of whom 50,000 have
returned. This number, however, does not include all those who
returned and found accommodation in cities at their relatives'
homes.
Along with the population losses in the recent war, negative
demographic trends and emigration, Croatia is also facing an
increasingly old population. Demographers have estimated that the
number of pensioners would be constantly on the rise by the year
2045.
Akrap believes that a consistent and comprehensive implementation
of the National programme of demographic development will be
required to stop the long-lasting negative demographic processes.
(hina) rml