Ukraine is on the verge of demographic collapse, Reuters

An empty maternity ward in a hospital in the Rivne region. Photo: Reuters

Ukraine faces a sharp population decline, which has already fallen below 36 million people, reports Reuters.

According to the agency's assessment, the negative trend intensified after the start of the war, mass emigration, and a decrease in the level of medical care. Currently, there are almost three deaths for every newborn. The average life expectancy for men has decreased to 57 years, and for women to 70. In the western regions of the country, the number of births has fallen so much that maternity hospitals have begun to close. Economists and demographers warn that by the middle of the century, the population could shrink to 25 million people.

In response to the situation, the resource writes, the Ukrainian government has approved a demographic development strategy until 2040. The program aims to bring citizens back from abroad and stimulate birth rates, but experts doubt its effectiveness. According to Ella Libanova, director of the Institute of Demography of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, after the end of the war, a significant increase in births should not be expected, as many families have already decided to emigrate.

As reported by the UOJ, Ukraine has the highest mortality rate and the lowest birth rate on the planet. According to the Ministry of Justice, mortality in the country has exceeded the number of newborns threefold for several consecutive years.

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