Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Northern Ireland's population is at an all time high - as its death rate reaches its lowest level ever. Paul Faith/PA Archive
Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's death rate at its lowest ever

Northern Ireland’s Registrar General says combined high birth rates and low mortality has led to the lowest death rate ever.

NORTHERN IRELAND’S POPULATION has reached its highest level ever – with the country’s death rate now at its lowest rate on record.

The annual report of the country’s Registrar General, published today, showed that the most recent estimate of the North’s population was just 600 off the 1.8 million mark – a barrier which has almost certainly been surpassed since, with that estimate being made on June 30 of last year.

The number of deaths recorded in the jurisdiction last year was 14,457 – an increase of 44 from 2009.

When combined with the number of births, however – which was up to 25,315, having hit an all-time low around a decade ago – the North’s death rate is now at its lowest in history.

The rate now stands at 8.0 deaths per 1,000 population.

The report also showed that there was a 2.8 per cent increase in the number of marriages granted in Northern Ireland in 2010, while the number of divorces was up by 19.5 per cent.

Between December 2005 – when the relevant laws came into force – and the end 0f 2010, 537 same-sex civil partnerships were registered, including 116 last year.

62 of those partnerships involved female couples, with males accounting for 54 partnerships.

Read the NI Registrar-General’s 2010 Annual Report >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
7
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.