Croatian health status is better than that of many Central and Eastern European countries, with life expectancy at birth in 1997 of 76.5 for females and 68.6 for males. Figures for 2000 indicate an increase to 77.7 for females and 69.8 for males.
In the year 2000 deaths (50,246) exceeded births (43,746). Ischaemic heart disease was the major cause of death. There were 11,278 cancer deaths in 1999, making it the second most common cause of death after cardiovascular disease. Deaths in health care institutions have been steadily rising, from 25.4% in 1970 to 45.7% in 1998, though there are said to be major local variations in the rates of home death.
Population and life expectancy, Central and Eastern Europe
Population (millions)
Life Expectancy
Male
Female
Albania
3.1
64.3
72.9
Bosnia-Herzogovina
3.9
68.7
74.4
Bulgaria
7.9
67.4
74.9
Croatia
4.6
69.8
77.7
Czech Republic
10.2
71.5
78.2
Estonia
1.3
65.4
76.5
Hungary
9.9
66.3
75.2
Latvia
2.4
64.2
75.5
Lithuania
3.7
66.9
77.2
Macedonia
2.0
70.2
74.8
Poland
38.6
69.2
7.7
Romania
22.4
66.2
73.5
Serbia and Montenegro
10.5
Slovakia
5.3
69.2
77.5
Slovenia
1.9
71.9
79.4
Source: World Health Report 2001
WHO age standardised death rates per 100,000 population, Central and Eastern Europe (1995-1998)
Year
All Causes
Cancer
Albania
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bulgaria
1998
958.9
123.3
Croatia
1997
836.0
174.2
Czech Republic
1998
706.6
182.9
Estonia
1998
907.7
157.8
Hungary
1998
917.8
219.4
Latvia
1998
955.2
152.1
Lithuania
1997
817.2
149.4
Macedonia
1997
809.1
Poland
1996
812.2
165.2
Romania
1998
933.9
130.6
Serbia and Montenegro
Slovakia
1995
820.9
172.3
Slovenia
1997
666.1
167.5
Source: World Health Organisation: World Health Statistics 1997-1999