The National Bureau of Statistics said the stable population in the Republic of Moldova at the start of 2017 totaled 3.550,9 million, by 2,200 fewer on a year before. The rural population represented 57% of the total population. The figures are preliminary, IPN reports.

The Bureau noted that the number of residents declined in most of the territorial-administrative units, namely Briceni, Drochia, Floresti, Ocnita, Soroca, Hancesti, and Telenesti.

The population in the municipality of Chisinau increased significantly, by 6,400, while of Balti municipality by only 600.

It should be noted that the stable population on January 1, 2017 wasn’t determined based on the population and housing census of 2014.