Spatial patterns of recent demographic trends in Serbia (1961–2010)

Abstract

This study considers the spatial and temporal dimensions of demographic trends in Serbia between 1961 and 2010. Using appropriate spatial autocorrelation statistics, spatial patterns of common demographic indicators including changes in population size, the rate of natural increase and infant mortality rate are investigated across municipalities of Serbia. Also, the impact of differential demographic rates according to ethnic origin on forming spatial clusters is implicitly considered. Different stages of demographic transition across municipalities at the start of the analyzed period determined the spatial pattern of clustered subregions; ethnic origin appeared to be a strong factor of differentiation regarding population dynamics. The two opposed areas regarding the transition of rates of natural increase and infant mortality were clustered; the southern included Kosovo and the least developed subregions of Central Serbia. The City of Belgrade and Kosovo have been the two hubs of population growth in Serbia over the past 50 years, while the strongest depopulation refers to the north and east border regions.