Hum (Jan 2016)
Mortality rate in Metković municipality from 1850 to 1918, based on the register of deaths
Abstract
The paper is based on the research and analysis of the registers of deaths in Metković municipality, i.e. registers of deaths of parishes Metković, Dobranje, Vidonje and Slivno Ravno from 1850 to 1918. “Microscopic” analysis of those sources has enabled percieving dynamics of mortality in that part of the Lower Poneretlje region, whereas an interpretation of that analysis allowed reviewing its causes and effects. Until 1881, the mortality rate was standardly higher than 30‰, and it had all the characteristics of a pre-transitional period. After 1881 it entered into a transitional period and was mainly below 30‰, which is compatible to demographic trends of mortality of the time in Dalmatia. Mortality rate of infants on municipality level was 106‰. Within the municipality the results of the research were different in certain parishes, with Metković Parish results standing out as there was a decrease of the mortality rate below the critical value of 30‰ mostly somewhat later than in the other parishes of the municipality.
