The population estimates for the country in 2015, disclosed today show an increase in deaths and live births, but more deaths were recorded than births.

The natural result was 23,011 fewer people, slightly more than in 2014, when there were 22,423 more deaths than births.

The migratory balance was also negative last year with 10,481 more people leaving the country than entering, but there were more immigrants and fewer emigrants than in 2014.

Overall in gross numbers there were 33,492 fewer residents than the year before, a trend that has been seen since 2010.

The statistics office also said that the population was getting older. Between 2005 and 2015 there was a double aging effect with the number of elderly increasing by 316,000, while there were 208,000 fewer people under 15.