27 December, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. An increase in the birth rate and migration growth have been recorded in Vitebsk based on the results of January-November of the current year, the Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, Viktor Nikolaikin, announced today at a press conference, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. For the first time since 1993, the regional centre has registered a positive natural population growth: the number of births has exceeded the number of deaths. From January to November, 3,816 babies were born in the city, which is 106% compared to the same period last year; 3,779 people died, which is 99.8% compared to the 11 months of 2011. The regional centre is experiencing steady migration growth. From January to November, 12,728 people arrived in the city, and 9,470 departed. Taking into account the increased birth rate and positive migration processes, the population of the regional centre at the beginning of December 2012 was 367,000 people. Viktor Nikolaikin is convinced that the positive shifts in addressing the demographic problem have occurred thanks to the implementation of the state programme for demographic security, which provides for a set of measures aimed at increasing the birth rate and life expectancy. In the regional centre, mortality from circulatory diseases, digestive tract diseases, and respiratory diseases is decreasing, the number of deaths from external causes has reduced, a significant decrease in the crime rate is noted, and the infrastructure for tourism and sports is developing. "The city is becoming comfortable to live in, the quality of life is improving, and this has a favourable impact on the demographic situation," believes Viktor Nikolaikin. -0-

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