Negative trends related to the natural growth of the population continue in Azerbaijan. In the first half of 2026, the number of children born and marriages registered in the country significantly decreased compared to the same period of the previous year.
Modern.az reports that, according to the State Statistical Committee, 40,798 births were registered in the district and city registration departments of the Ministry of Justice in January-June 2026.
This figure is 4,818 people or 10.6 percent less than the 45,616 births in the same period of 2025. The birth rate per 1,000 population also decreased from 9.0 to 8.0.
Another striking indicator in the demographic landscape is the sharp decrease in the number of marriages. In the first half of the current year, 19,224 marriages were formalized. In the same period of 2025, this figure was 24,815. Thus, the number of marriages decreased by 5,591 or 22.5 percent in one year.
The number of marriages per 1,000 population also decreased from 4.9 to 3.8.
These indicators show not only the demographic picture of the current year but also the relevance of longer-term changes. The decrease in births and the sharp drop in the number of marriages may also affect the number of newborns in future years.
However, the total population of Azerbaijan continues to increase. According to the State Statistical Committee, the population increased by 11,099 people or 0.1 percent from the beginning of the year, reaching 10 million 273 thousand 450 people as of July 1, 2026.
However, there is a difference between the increase in the total population and the decrease in the birth rate. Although the population continues to grow for a certain period, the decrease in births and the increase in the share of elderly people in the overall population structure may accelerate demographic aging in the long term.
Thus, the indicators for the first half of 2026 show that the birth rate in Azerbaijan continues to decline and the pace of family formation has also significantly weakened. If this trend continues, it is possible that changes in the age structure of the population will be more pronounced in the coming years.
It should be noted that the fertility level that ensures simple population growth is usually considered to be approximately 2.1 children per woman. A long-term low birth rate can lead to consequences such as population aging, a decrease in the share of the young generation in the labor market, and an increase in the burden on the social security system.
