The state will annually apply population forecasting. This involves the projection of the number of people expected to be alive at a future date, based on estimates about the population’s size, number of births, deaths and magnitude of migration. A draft decision to this effect was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, IPN reports.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection was empowered to coordinate the population forecasting through the National Institute for Economic Research (Centre for Demographic Research). Starting with 2024, nationwide population projections will be made annually, while projections at the local level – every three years.

The population size and structure projections will be used in preparing and substantiating forecasts for the socioeconomic development of the country and its administrative-territorial units, in determining the population’s needs for various services.

The financial resources (US$50,000) for implementing the draft Government Decision will be covered in 2024-2025 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, while starting with 2026 - from the state budget.