FOR the first time since 2000, in 2004 Slovakia registered more births than deaths, the SME daily reported.
A total of 1,895 more babies were born than there were deaths.
Not only has the number of babies born increased, but there have also been more weddings and fewer pregnancy terminations.
However, the number of people born out of wedlock is also increasing. The Slovak Statistical Office does not seem surprised by this trend.
Peter Macha, chairman of the Statistical Office, says it is natural that after reproductive behaviour in Slovakia should be similar to that in the Western Europe.
Compiled by Magdalena MacLeod from press reports
TheSlovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the informationpresented in its Flash News postings.
