The 4,088 deaths in the third quarter of 2004 represented an 8.3% reduction with regard to the same period the year before, according to Eustat data. By provinces, 468 people died in Álava, 2,287 in Bizkaia and 1,333 in Gipuzkoa.

The main cause of death is tumours: 1,294 people died due to this cause (31.7%); followed, as the second cause of death, by circulatory system diseases, which led to 1,201 deaths (29.4%). Third place is occupied by respiratory diseases, which caused 321 deaths over these months (7.9%).

The cause of death was different according to sex, as among males tumours were more common than circulatory system diseases, while among females the main cause was cardiovascular diseases, followed by tumours. Respiratory system diseases are the third cause of death for both sexes.

Among the deaths that took place in the third quarter of 2004, 22 corresponded to babies under the age of one, 13 females and 9 males.

Natural population growth was positive in the third quarter of 2004, with an increase in population of 918 persons. In the three Provinces there were positive balances: Alava increased its population by 253 inhabitants, Bizkaia by 201 and Gipuzkoa by 464.