1,963,000 people lived in urban areas at the beginning of 2015, by 11,600 or 0.6% less than at the beginning of 2014. By 1 January 2015, the number of people living in rural areas was 958,900, by 10,000 or 1% less compared to the data of early 2014, according to the estimates of Statistics Lithuania.
Last year birth rate increased in Lithuania. 31,300 births were registered in 2014, by 1,400 more compared with 2013. However, natural population change rate remained negative – there were 8,900 more deaths than births.
Next, emigration rate changed insignificantly, thus net international migration rate remained negative. 38,500 people emigrated from Lithuania in 2014, while 25,900 immigrated. Compared with 2013, 347 fewer people emigrated, while 3,800 more people immigrated.
According to Statistics Lithuania, negative net migration rate has been consistently improving since 2011 as more and more people decide to return to Lithuania.
