Intraregional demographic disparities: The case of the Southeastern Serbia (1980-2017)

In: Zbornik Matice Srpske za društvene nauke: Proceedings for social sciences, Heft 169, S. 37-57

Abstract

Rather pronounced differences among the republics and provinces were among
the main characteristics of the population development in the former
socialist Yugoslavia. After the dissolution of the federal state, all the
newly formed states were demographically less heterogeneous and changes over
time led to the elimination of the differences among them. The current
political reality has caused the Republic of Serbia (excluding Kosovo and
Metohija) to become more or less homogenous area in demographic terms. The
differences still exist and they are specifically pronounced in some smaller
regional units. The region of Southeastern Serbia, consisting of five
districts (Jablanicki, Nisavski, Pirotski, Pcinjski, Toplicki) attracts
special attention. It includes municipalities that are demographically
rather heterogenous and on republic level they have minimum or maximum
values of the main demographic indicators of fertility, mortality, migration
and age structure. The paper presents the current demographic situation in
Southeastern Serbia, as well as the changes that took place after 1980 on
the municipal level. It is concluded that they have led to the greater
demographic homogenization of that area. Such changes create the conditions
for a more effective population policy. At the same time, so far presented
intraregional differences require differentiated measures at the local
community level, adapted to their specific needs. Also, the paper points to
real difficulties in collecting statistical data, as well as to limitations
and caution regarding the interpretation of results.