Skopje currently registers the highest birth rate within North Macedonia, responsible for 41.6% of all births recorded nationwide. Conversely, East Macedonia reports a significantly lower percentage of births, standing at only 6.1%, according to data from the State Statistics Agency. Sociologist Lulzim Murtezani suggests that this disparity is linked to urbanization patterns, noting that the draw of development opportunities in Skopje encourages migration from other regions, thereby contributing to lower birth rates elsewhere in Macedonia.
Murtezani explained that the capital city exhibits a tendency for stable, or even increasing, birth rates. He attributed this to the concentration of people moving into Skopje from various other cities and rural areas. According to his analysis, these individuals migrate to the capital seeking greater educational and employment prospects, which fuels population growth in Skopje.
This demographic shift appears to be a primary factor influencing the differing birth rates observed across North Macedonia. The data suggests a correlation between perceived economic and educational opportunities in Skopje and the higher rates of birth recorded there compared to other regions.
Topics: #birth #macedonia #skopje
