Lithuanian census reveals major decline

VILNIUS -- The preliminary results of Lithuania's census have revealed a major decline in the country's population in recent years, drawing concern from the country's leadership.

The census revealed that the population has fallen by around 10 percent since the turn of the century.

"Unfortunately, we must admit that Lithuania is not only an emigrating nation but also a nation that is dying out," Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

The preliminary results, revealed earlier this week, found that as of March this year there are 3 million 53.8 thousand permanent residents in Lithuania (1407.9 thousand men and 1645.9 thousand women), Statistics Lithuania said, highlighting that the census covered around 94% of the entire population.

On a more positive note, population estimates from the national statistics agency have found that the population decline has been decelerating in recent months -- having shrunk by around 5,000 people per month, compared to its falling by around 10,000 people per month at this time last year.

The full results of the census with analysis are not due until mid-2013.