As of July 1st, 2015, the number of people who live in Belarus totalled 9,485,300 — up 4,474 from the start of the year, according to the National Statistical Committee of Belarus

In January-June this year, the natural decline in the population was measured at 6,077 people — up 1,897 against the same period in 2014.

In 2015, migration doubled from 5,362 to reach 10,551 people compared with the period January-June 2014. Belarus was the major migration destination within the CIS states. Over the first six months of the year, Belarus welcomed 12,007 new residents, including 10,867 (90.5 percent) from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. A total of 2,843 people moved to the CIS states, with 2,361 of these going to Russia.

In January-June 2015, the number of registered marriages reduced by 1,939 (5.8 percent) in comparison with the same period a year ago. The number of divorces fell down by 777 (4.5 percent). There were 520 divorces per each 1,000 marriages (against 513 divorces in January-June 2014).

Photo: Alexander Ruzhechka