In the first quarter of 2004, 4,926 people died in the A.C. of the Basque Country, 1.2% more than during the same period of last year, according to EUSTAT data. By province, 588 people passed away in Álava, an increase of 6.3%, in Bizkaia the figure was 2,748 (1.6%) and in Gipuzkoa 1,590 (-1.2%).

Traditionally, the first quarter of the year is when there is the greatest number of deaths, with respiratory system illnesses accounting for the main increase. However, this year the greatest increase was seen in the number of deaths caused by circulatory system illnesses, with a rise of 14.1% in relation to the previous quarter. 1,599 died of these illnesses during this quarter, making this the main cause of death, accounting for a third of all deaths.

Tumours were the second most frequent cause, giving rise to 1,309 deaths (26.6%) and in third place were respiratory system illnesses, which, during these winter months, caused 542 deaths.

The cause of death was different according to sex, with tumours outnumbering circulatory system illnesses among men, while for women, the main cause was cardiovascular illness, followed by tumours. Respiratory system illness remained the third cause of death for both sexes.

Among the deaths to occur during the first quarter of 2004, 10 corresponded to children less than one year old, 8 boys and 2 girls.

The natural growth of the population in the first quarter of 2004 was negative, with a loss of 372 people. By Province, there was a negative balance in Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, where the population diminished by 398 and 22 inhabitants respectively. In the case of Alava, as has become habitual, the number of births outnumbered that of deaths (+48).