The vital statistic data analyses indicate major changes in the components of the natural
increase of the population in Macedonia. The trend of decreasing number of births and increased
number of deaths led to a reduction in the natural population increase rate that in 2013 reached the
value of 1.9‰. At the beginning of the 21st century there are obvious differences in the values of
the natural population increase in demographic and spatial aspect. Particular attention is given to
the differences in the level of the population natural increase among municipalities2
and regions in
the Republic of Macedonia. These problems come as a result of the impact of the social and
economic transformations. This is the case of large part municipalities in Macedonia, which means
that these municipalities are characterized by a negative population natural increase. At the same
time, this leaves demographic, social and economic consequences to their development, followed
by numerous problems. The main aim of this research is to determine the regional differences in
the positive component of the population natural increase, i.e. crude birth rate, TFR and the natural
increase rate and to identify the regions in the Republic of Macedonia that are highly
disadvantaged.