Natural Population Trend Still on the Decline
Birth and death rate statistics for the first six months of 2013 reveal that trends have not changed, with deaths outstripping births by more than 1,000.
According to data released by the Ministry of the Interior on Wednesday, 8,072 Estonian residents died in the first six months of 2013, 127 more than during the same period a year earlier.
The number of births declined slightly, from 6,872 to 6,833.
Last year, there were 14,054 births and 15,514 deaths.
During the post-Soviet era, Estonia has seen more births than deaths in only one year, in 2011.
The most popular names given to children in the first six months were Oskar, Henri and Robin for boys, and for girls Emily, Laura and Darja.