Review article
https://doi.org/10.3935/rsp.v2i1.545
Demographic Situation and Processes in Croatia with Respect to Temporarily Occupied Territory
Anđelko Akrap
; Ekonomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Abstract
Demographic data in Croatia show that since the 1960’s there has been a decline in the population. Negative demographic tendencies are particularly evident in some Croatian regions. There are several indicators showing that the Croatian population is aging. A comparative analysis of the age structure the Croats (being the majority people) and of the Serbs (as a minority people) has shown different characteristics. The Croats have a slightly more favorable participation of the young in the entire population than the Serbs. The reasons lie in the process of urbanization and spatial migration of the Croats and Serbs within Croatia. The Serbs in Croatia, as opposed to the Croats, lagged behind in the process of urbanization before World War II. The process was intensified after World War II. Also, the Serbs were migrating more within the territory of the former Yugoslavia, while the Croats were emigrating to other countries. There were migrations of both Croats and Serbs from the undeveloped parts of Croatia, more so in the case of Croats from the municipalities of the Republic of Croatia, excluding the developed ones (i.e. Beli Manastir, Petrinja and Vukovar) are significantly above the Croatian average in regard to population decline. The aggression for the “Greater Serbia” has completely changed the ethnic structure of the occupied territory. Croats from these regions have either been killed or displaced. The occupied territories have been completely ruined both demographically and economically. Thus, in regard to the negative demographic situation, Croatia has to establish and carry out and adequate population policy, in order to increase the birth-rate. To revitalize the entire country, its population has to be more evenly distributed.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
29759
URI
Publication date:
1.1.1995.
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