YEREVAN. – The permanent population in the Republic of Armenia (RA) has decreased by 3,700 over the course of six months, Zhoghovurd (People) newspaper wrote.

“According to the data released by the RA statistical committee, as of July 1 of this year, the number of the permanent population of Armenia made 2 million 961 thousand 600 people; this figure has dropped by 8,200, as compared to the same period last year. The number of permanent population [in the] has primarily declined in provincial towns and in villages.

“The number of births has also decreased. If the number of births in Armenia made 16 thousand 111 in the first half of this year, in the same period of last year—16 thousand 261.

“Also, the number of deaths has increased [in Armenia]. As of July 1 of this year, the number of deaths has increased by 572, as compared to the same period last year,” Zhoghovurd wrote.