Romania's population recorded a negative natural increase in February 2026, with the number of deaths being twice as high as the number of live births, according to data published on Tuesday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
According to official statistics, compared with January 2026, birth certificates were issued for 9,874 children in February, down by 2,587 (-20.8%), while the number of death certificates stood at 19,688, a decrease of 4,848. Of these, 10,039 were for men and 9,649 for women. The number of death certificates issued for children under one year of age was 61, down by eight month-on-month.
Overall, in February 2026, the natural increase remained negative (-9,814), with the number of deaths recorded being twice as high as that of live births.
During the period analysed, 43% of total deaths were recorded among people aged 80 and over, 27.9% among those aged 70-79, and 15.9% among people aged 60-69. At the opposite end, the fewest deaths were recorded in the age groups 0-4 years (76), 5-19 years (33), and 20-29 years (68).
According to the same source, in February th is year, 3,444 marriages were registered at civil registry offices, while the number of divorces granted by final court rulings and by mutual consent (through administrative or notarial procedures) was 1,543.
INS data show that, in a year-on-year comparison (February 2026 vs February 2025), the number of birth certificates for live births was 2.1% lower, the number of death certificates fell by 4.6%, and the number relating to children under one year of age who died was twice smalled.
The natural increase was negative both in February 2026 (-9,814 persons) and in February 2025 (a total of 10,559 persons).
At the same time, 9,650 deaths were recorded in urban areas (4,913 men and 4,737 women), and 10,038 deaths in rural areas (5,126 men and 4,912 women).
Compared with the same month in 2025, the number of deaths recorded fell by 3.4% in urban areas and by 5.8% in rural areas.
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