REGIONAL DIFFERENCES IN THE POPULATION NATURAL INCREASE IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA.

The vital statistic data analyses indicate major changes in the components of the natural increase of the population in Macedonia. The trend of decreasing number of births and increased number of deaths led to a reduction in the natural population increase rate that in 2013 reached the value of 1.9‰. At the beginning of the 21st century there are obvious differences in the values of the natural population increase in demographic and spatial aspect. Particular attention is given to the differences in the level of the population natural increase among municipalities2 and regions in the Republic of Macedonia. These problems come as a result of the impact of the social and economic transformations. This is the case of large part municipalities in Macedonia, which means that these municipalities are characterized by a negative population natural increase. At the same time, this leaves demographic, social and economic consequences to their development, followed by numerous problems. The main aim of this research is to determine the regional differences in the positive component of the population natural increase, i.e. crude birth rate, TFR and the natural increase rate and to identify the regions in the Republic of Macedonia that are highly disadvantaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]