Following a brief historical overview of the initial settlements and population origins, we will explore the population dynamics from the second half of the 19th century to 1981. Given the distinctive characteristics of population movement in the Novi Becej subregion, we will concurrently present and analyze data on the quantitative movement of populations in two neighboring municipalities, both on a narrower and broader scale.
Examining the period from 1869 to 1971, it is evident that there was minimal population growth in the municipality over 102 years. This increase amounted to only 178 inhabitants, or an index of 100.56. However, during the same period, the population in the Zrenjanin municipality increased by 60,381, with an index of 186.93. Significant growth also occurred in the central Banat region, with an increase of 62,255 inhabitants, or an index of 136.78. Such differences in population movement must primarily be associated with the economic development of the Novi Becej subregion and other areas. Zrenjanin, as the most developed industrial city in central Banat, has long attracted a larger number of inhabitants from its immediate and wider surroundings. Through intensive economic development, it has become a significant center for labor force absorption in the central Banat region. Due to continuous population movement from less developed municipalities to Zrenjanin, the population in these municipalities gradually decreased while increasing in Zrenjanin. This is particularly evident in two ten-year periods, as confirmed by the census results from 1961 to 1981. During this time, every decade saw an average increase of 10,000 inhabitants in Zrenjanin, while the surrounding municipalities experienced a gradual decline. In the Novi Becej municipality, the population decreased by 1778 from 1961 to 1971 (index 94.69), and from 1971 to 1981, it further decreased by 1822 (index 94.25). Over the last 20 years, the total population of the municipality decreased by 3600 inhabitants. These data indicate the necessity of implementing socio-economic measures to create more favorable economic conditions, encouraging people to stay in their place of residence. A significant percentage of the young population, after completing education, tends not to return to their place of birth. A large portion of the working-age population, seeking better economic opportunities, also changes their domicile. Over 500 residents of the municipality work temporarily abroad. All these factors highlight the need for intensifying economic development in the municipality and diversifying the economy to provide opportunities for everyone.
The continuous decline in the total population also resulted in a gradual reduction in population density in the Novi Becej subregion. Population density in the municipality was 54.93 inhabitants per square kilometer in 1961, 52.01 in 1971, and 49.03 in 1981. Meanwhile, the broader region of SAP Vojvodina, in the northeastern part of Yugoslavia, experienced a steady increase in population density in each ten-year census. In 1961, the population density in our province was 86.73 inhabitants per square kilometer, 90.76 in 1971, and 94.28 in 1981. This increase is not closely tied to natural population growth but primarily to population migrations. SAP Vojvodina is an immigration area within Yugoslavia, continuously receiving inhabitants from other parts of our country.
The trend of decreasing total population is also observed when comparing the total population of the municipality and its share in the total population of SAP Vojvodina, Banat, and the subregion of northern and central Banat.
According to the 1971 census, the Novi Becej municipality accounted for 1.62% of the total population of Vojvodina, while covering 2.8% of the total area of Vojvodina. According to the 1981 census data, this decline continues, with the population of the municipality contributing 1.47% to the total population of SAP Vojvodina.
When examining these movements by settlements, a similar pattern emerges. The only exception is Novi Becej, where the decline in the total population is somewhat less and slower than in other populated places in the municipality. The tendencies of decreasing population are more pronounced in villages, where the economic absorptive capacity is even weaker. If there were an intensification of the economy in Novi Becej and the opening of industrial facilities in other settlements in the municipality, employment for both the absolute and relative surplus population in agriculture would significantly increase, leading to a reduction in the decline of the total population in the Novi Becej subregion.
Detailed data on the distribution of the population in the municipality, by settlements and local communities, according to the 1981 census, also indicate specific characteristics of population movement in the Novi Becej subregion.
Changes in the overall number of households are closely related to population movements. Comparing the data from the last two censuses of households and dwellings (1971 and 1981), the same tendencies as in the overall population movement are not observed. The total number of households decreased only by 13 in the village of Kumane over the ten-year period, while in other settlements, there was minimal growth (2 households in Bocar and 7 in Novo Milosevo). The most significant increase in households was recorded in Novi Becej, the center of the municipality and the economically most developed settlement. The mismatch between a greater decrease in the total population and minimal decrease or minimal increase in households in rural settlements is interpreted as the departure of younger and capable working-age population, while older members in those households continue working in agriculture. The minimal increase in the number of dwellings is a consequence of improved general living conditions and the construction of new residential buildings, both in villages and Novi Becej.