Statistics in Focus: Population and social conditions. First demographic estimates for 2000.

Abstract

After a period of decline, the net inflow of international migrants (immigration minus emigration) to the European Union increased from 578 OOO in 1998 to 720 OOO people in 1999. Based upon monthly data available at the end of 2000, latest forecasts and expert opinions, net migration is expected to show a further increase in 2000 to a level of 816 OOO people. The total number of live births is expected to increase slightly, whilst the number of deaths will barely change. Natural population growth (live births minus deaths) is forecast to increase from 277 OOO in 1999 to 343 OOO in 2000 . Consequently, total population growth is estimated to reach a level of well over 1.1 million, bringing the EU population on 1 January 2001 to 377.6 million. For the first time, figures for the 12 candidate countries are also presented here.