In the first quarter of 2003, 4,853 people died in the A.C. of the Basque Country, 7% less than in the same period of the previous year, according to EUSTAT data. By provinces, 553 people died in Álava (-8.6%), 2,704 in Bizkaia (-6.1%) and 1,596 in Gipuzkoa (-7.9%).

Traditionally, the first quarter of the year is when the greatest number of deaths is registered, caused principally by the rise in respiratory system illnesses. This year, the increase in deaths caused by respiratory system illnesses with regard to the previous quarter was 30.8%. However, with regard to the same quarter of the previous year, the number of deaths due to this was notably lower, 22% less. Consequently, respiratory system illnesses now account for 11.4% of the total number of deaths, two points less than in the first quarter of 2002.

The main cause of death was circulatory system illness, resulting in 1,580 deaths (32.6%); following this, the second highest number of mortalities were those caused by tumours, responsible for 1,349 deaths (27,8%). Thirdly were respiratory system illnesses, which during these winter months led to 551 deaths.

The cause of death differed according to the sex of the deceased, since among men tumours were more common than circulatory system diseases, whereas among women the main cause was cardiovascular disease, followed by tumours. Respiratory system illness remained the third cause of death for both sexes, although its incidence was slighter than in the first quarter of 2002.

Among the deaths registered in the first quarter of 2003, 9 corresponded to children of less than a year old, 4 boys and 5 girls.

The natural population growth in the first quarter of 2003 was negative, with a loss in population of 337 people. In terms of provinces, the balance in Alava and Gipuzkoa was positive, with a population increase of 39 and 14 inhabitants, respectively. In Bizkaia, on the other hand, the number of deaths was superior to that of births (-390).