Posljedice Budućih Demografskih Promjena U Hrvatskoj Consequences of Future Demographic Changes in Croatia

Relevant forecasts indicate a signifi cant reduction in the population of Croatia and a further worsening of the age structure of the population. This paper considers the consequences of such demographic changes. The future (bio)reproduction will be strongly impacted by demographic ageing. Numerous socio-economic and other consequences of the demographic changes will ensue. The inevitable reduction in the number of school-age children will result in a reduced need for teachers. Many schools will close, particularly in depopulated areas. The ageing of the labour age cohort will lead to a reduction in the volume of the labour force. This will bring with it a worsening of the ratio of the number of pensioners to the number of employees. The share of older population groups will increase, which will burden the social welfare and health care funds. In Croatia, the rural settlement will largely become a community of elderly households, without youth and heirs.