Southern Ukraine is losing population: critically few children are born in the region

The demographic situation in the South of Ukraine is rapidly deteriorating, with mortality rates significantly exceeding birth rates. The worst figures are recorded in Kherson region, where eleven deaths occur for every newborn.

This is evidenced by information on the results of the work of the state civil registration authorities in 2024.

According to official data, 12,578 children were born in Odesa region in 2024, while 32,147 people died. The mortality rate is 2.55 times higher than the birth rate. At the same time, 9,898 marriages and 2,329 divorces were registered in the region.

In Mykolaiv region, the situation is even more critical: 16,340 deaths versus 4,651 births, which means an excess of 3.5 times. During the year, 4,763 couples got married in the region, and 970 marriages broke up.

The worst situation is in Kherson region, where only 434 children were born, while the death rate reached 4,776 cases. Here, the number of deaths exceeds the number of newborns by 11 times. At the same time, 679 marriages were concluded and 114 divorces were recorded.

In total, 176,679 children were born in Ukraine last year, while 495,090 people died, meaning that the death rate exceeded the birth rate by 2.8 times.

Meanwhile, in the South of Ukraine , pensioners receive payments that are lower than the national average. Average pensioner payments in the southern regions are as follows: Odesa region - UAH 5,628; Mykolaiv region - UAH 5,548; Kherson region - UAH 4,968.

Analysts also note noticeable changes in the dynamics of registration and closure of companies in the South of Ukraine, particularly in Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions. At the same time, amid economic instability, some companies have ceased operations.

Over the year, 282 companies closed in Odesa region, 99 in Mykolaiv region, and 32 in Kherson region. At the same time, the rate of liquidation in Odesa region decreased by 1.2 percentage points, which may indicate a stabilization of the business environment.

Андрій Колісніченко