How has Ukraine’s demographic situation changed since it gained independence?

Since 1991, Ukraine has experienced a steady decline in the birth rate. In 1990-1991, 657,200 and 630,800 children were born, respectively; by 2024, this number has dropped to only 176,100. This indicates a decrease in the birth rate of more than 70%.

Between 1990 and 2001, the birth rate in Ukraine nearly halved, with 376,500 children born in 2001. A brief period of growth followed, as the birth rate increased each year, reaching 512,500 in 2009. However, starting in 2012, the demographic situation in Ukraine began to deteriorate once again.

Since 2014, the birth rate, excluding the occupied territories, has been declining steadily. For instance, in 2014 465,900 children were born, while in 2021, that figure fell to 273,800.

Furthermore, Ukraine’s highest mortality rate occurred from 1993 to 2009, with over 700,000 deaths annually. After 2010, the mortality rate started to decrease. However, during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020-2021, there was a significant rise in deaths: 616,800 in 2020 and 714,300 in 2021.

By 2024, deaths in Ukraine nearly tripled the birth rate; during that year, 495,100 people died, while only 176,100 were born.