Statistics in Focus: Population and social conditions. First demographic estimates for 2002.

Abstract

Based upon monthly data available at the end of 2002, latest forecasts and expert opinion, the net inflow of international migrants (immigration minus emigration) to the European Union is expected to show a very slight decrease in 2002 to a level of just over 1 million people, against 1 150 000 persons in 2001. The number of live births is expected to reach a post-war low of 3.99 million while the total number of deaths is expected to increase slightly. Natural population growth (live births minus deaths) is therefore forecast to decrease from 369 000 in 2001 to 315 000 in 2002.