The 4,145 deaths in the third quarter of 2007 meant a decrease of 1.8% as regards the same period of the previous year, according to Eustat data. By province, 503 people died in Álava, 2,322 in Bizkaia and 1,320 in Gipuzkoa.

The main cause of death was formed by tumours: 1,360 people died for this reason (32.8%); following this, as the second cause of death, came circulatory system diseases, which gave rise to 1,185 deaths (28.6%). The third position was occupied by respiratory diseases, which caused 354 deaths (8.5%) during these months.

The cause of death was different according to sex, since among men tumours outnumbered circulatory system diseases, while among women the main cause was cardiovascular diseases and in second place tumours. Respiratory system diseases remained the third cause of death for both sexes.

Among the deaths registered during the third quarter of 2007, 15 corresponded to children under one year old, 10 boys and 5 girls.

Natural growth was positive in the third quarter of 2007, with a population increase of 1,140 people. In all three provinces, the balance was positive: Álava saw its population increase by 285 inhabitants, Bizkaia by 314 and Gipuzkoa by 541.

Table 1. Deaths in the A.C. of Euskadi by sex, according to cause of death. Quarterly comparison.

Source: EUSTAT