Since 1987, the population distribution in Prague has been changing. This is primarily a result of lower birth rates but is also related to migration. The vast political changes ahve affected marriage and birth rates throughout the Czech Republic. Since the fall of Communism, there are more career opportunities and individuals generally have access to greater freedom in their lives, which may be a factor in the declining marriage and birth rates. It may also be because of a feeling of uncertainty about the future understandable considering the vast changes that have occurred in the last fifty years. Because of lower birth and marriage rates, the population is becoming older. Encouraging this trend is improvement in health care, making the average life span longer. At this point the number of persons over age 60 is 34% higher than the number of children age 0-14.

Another part of the demographic shift in the past eleven years has been the increase in migration since Prague opened its borders. Thirty nine percent of the immigrants to the Czech Republic go to Prague. Forty percent of the immigrants are Poles, many come from the former Soviet Union, there are Asian business entrepreneurs and a large number of Americans often employed as English teachers. However, while this immigration occurs, only some of the immigrants move into central Prague, while others, along with many former residents of Prague search for places to live in the surrounding areas. Because there is a shortage of housing in Prague and some concern about pollution, the surrounding areas are increasingly popular. The out-migration into surrounding areas coupled with declining birth rates has caused Prague to experience negative growth rates since 1994.