Population development and population policy in Czechoslovakia

Abstract

Summary The paper deals with the demographic changes which have taken place after World War II, comparing them with the pre-war period. The change in the social order, nationalization of industry followed by that of the whole national economy, created conditions particularly favourable for further population development. Economic conditions led to a decrease in the average age of engaged couples (by 2–3 years), and to a decrease in the age of mothers. Thus a cumulation of marriages and births, as well as an unexpected increase In marriage and birth rates are recorded during the first post-war years. Mortality dropped considerably, most.rapidly in 1950/60. Demographic indices have stabilized at a more favourable level than before the war, even though natality and fertility rates have declined during recent years. In 1957 a law was passed relaxing the prohibitions against induced abortion. At the same time a State Population Commission was established to be concerned with the direction of population policy....