In the first six months of the year, the INE recorded 40,725 births, 688 fewer (-1.7%) than in the same period in 2023, with the accumulated natural balance (difference between births and deaths) remaining negative, at -20,794, and worsening compared to the first half of 2023 (-19,138).

Marriages in June increased by 3.6% (140 more) compared to the same period in 2023, for a total of 3,976 marriages, 362 more marriages (10%) than last May, highlights the INE.

The number of deaths in Portugal increased by 8.9% in July compared to the same month in 2023, and by 2.9% compared to June, totalling 9,528 deaths, of which 304 (3.2%) were due to Covid-19.

Data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) reveals that there were 779 more deaths (+8.9%) than in July 2023 and 268 more deaths (+2.9%) than in June, with Covid-19 responsible for 304 (3.2%) of the 9,528 deaths recorded and the cause of 28 more deaths than in June.

Adding up the first seven months of the year, the total mortality rate was 71,210, 1,770 more (2.5%) than in the same period in 2023, according to the INE.