Romania`s population grows in July for the first time in the past six months, statistics show

As many as 19,636 people died in July, up 712 persons compared to the similar month of 2008. Some 21,132 babies were born in the same month, with 304 more than in July last year.

The death rate among babies remains above the European average, as 185 children aged less than one year died in July, up 15 children from the same month in 2008. 

As many as 18,588 marriages were recorded in July, up 7,422 over June and 86 versus the same month in 2008. The number of divorces stood at 2,306 in July, 978 less than in the previous month, but 455 up over the same month last year. 

Romania's population slipped 0.14 percent at the end of 2008 from the previous year, to 21.5 million people, according to INS.