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Makarska one of the few cities with a good trend: Here's how many children are born
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/8/2026

Makarska one of the few cities with a good trend: Here's how many children are born

In 2025, Makarska saw a population increase of 15 people due to 146 births compared to 131 deaths, marking a shift from a previous decline. This growth ranks Makarska sixth among 128 Croatian cities by absolute birth increase and eighth by percentage growth. The city has made significant progress in early childhood education, including opening preschools like 'Maslina' and expanding facilities such as 'Ciciban.' Investments are being made in primary education, sports facilities, and special needs centers. Student scholarships have been increased, and there is a focus on training medical staff and expanding higher education programs. The mayor emphasizes continued investment in youth and education to make Makarska more attractive for living.

In 2025, 146 children were born in Makarska, while 131 residents died, shifting the city from a population decline of 26 in the previous year to a growth of 15. This marks Makarska as one of only six Croatian cities with positive natural population growth, according to local authorities. The number of births increased nearly a third, rising from 111 to 146, placing Makarska sixth among 128 Croatian cities for absolute growth and eighth for percentage growth in newborns. The city has made significant strides in early childhood education. Four years ago, the Maslina kindergarten opened, and next week, an annex to the Ciciban kindergarten will open. Today, Makarska is one of the few Croatian cities where all children meeting criteria are enrolled in kindergartens, adhering to national pedagogical standards. Investments have also been made in primary schools and sports facilities, enabling the transition to single-track teaching and expanding capacity for over 30 sports clubs sharing these spaces. Work is soon to begin on setting up the Juraj Bonači Centre for Children with Developmental Difficulties. In recent years, the city has repeatedly increased student scholarships, which are now among the highest in Croatia. Since last year, high school students training to become nursing assistants or medical technicians, occupations in short supply, are also being subsidized. The hospitality and gastronomy study program has secured its premises, and after opening a master’s program, more young people are continuing their education in Makarska. The goal is to establish a student campus, and for now, part of the space at the City Sports Centre has been allocated to the Split Student Centre. Mayor Zoran Paunović emphasized that the positive indicators are a strong motivation to continue investing in youth and education, along with projects making Makarska a desirable place to live.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

2 reports

tportal logotportalIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 709/8/2026
Makarska one of the few cities with a good trend: Here's how many children are born

In 2025, Makarska saw a population increase of 15 people due to 146 births compared to 131 deaths, marking a shift from a previous decline. This growth ranks Makarska sixth among 128 Croatian cities by absolute birth increase and eighth by percentage growth. The city has made significant progress in early childhood education, including opening preschools like 'Maslina' and expanding facilities such as 'Ciciban.' Investments are being made in primary education, sports facilities, and special needs centers. Student scholarships have been increased, and there is a focus on training medical staff and expanding higher education programs. The mayor emphasizes continued investment in youth and education to make Makarska more attractive for living.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual demographic data and describes municipal initiatives without overtly favoring any political side. It focuses on local governance actions and their impact on demographics and education, avoiding ideological commentary.

Why factuality (75): The article reports on Makarska's population growth in 2025 with 146 births and 131 deaths, resulting in a net increase of 15 residents. It aligns with the cross-source consensus from HRT, which also cites these numbers. The article mentions the expansion of preschool facilities and educational init

Why objectivity (70): The tone is generally positive and celebratory, emphasizing the city's progress and achievements. While informative, it uses emotionally charged language such as 'najsnažniji iskorak' (strongest step) and highlights the city's unique position among Croatian cities, which could be seen as slightly pr

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 75Objective 709/8/2026
Makarska among six cities with positive natural growth

The article reports that Makarska has become one of six Croatian cities with a positive natural population growth, as more children were born than people who died in 2025. The city recorded 146 births and 131 deaths, leading to a net increase of 15 residents. This marks a significant improvement from the previous year’s negative growth of 26 residents. The article highlights increased investments in early childhood education, schools, and sports facilities, including new kindergartens and plans for expanded educational programs. It also mentions initiatives such as higher student stipends, support for students in shortage professions like nursing, and efforts to make Makarska an attractive place to live.

Bias read (Center): While the article discusses demographic trends and local government policies, which could be considered politically charged, the framing remains balanced. It presents both the challenges of Croatia's demographic situation and the positive developments in Makarska without overtly favoring any side. S

Why factuality (75): This HRT report confirms the same demographic data as the tportal article, including the birth and death figures leading to a population increase. It also discusses similar educational and infrastructure developments, matching the information presented in the first article. No new or conflicting dat

Why objectivity (70): The HRT report maintains a neutral tone but still emphasizes the positive aspects of Makarska's development. It presents the information in a straightforward manner without overtly promoting the city, though it does highlight the significance of the population growth and educational investments.

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