The 4,434 deaths in the third quarter of 2003 meant an increase of 8.7% in relation to the same period of the previous year, according to Eustat data. By province, 528 people died in Álava, 2,424 in Bizkaia and 1,482 in Gipuzkoa.

The main cause of death was the presence of tumours: 1,316 people died as a result (29.7%); next, the second highest number of mortalities were those caused by circulatory system illnesses, accounting for 1,211 deaths (27.3%). Thirdly were respiratory system illnesses, causing 468 deaths during these months (10.6%).

The cause of death was different according to the sex of the deceased: for men tumours were more common than circulatory system illnesses, whereas among women the main cause was cardiovascular illness and secondly tumours.

Among the deaths registered in the third quarter of 2003, 13 corresponded to children under a year old, 4 girls and 9 boys.

The natural population growth in the third quarter of 2003 was positive, with a population increase of 312 people. In all three provinces, there was a positive balance: Alava increased its population by 125 inhabitants, Bizkaia by 16 and Gipuzkoa by 171.