Population of North Macedonia

North Macedonia has an estimated 2026 population of approximately 1.82 million people, based on recent projections from the official 2024 figure of 1,824,359. The nation currently holds a global population rank of 151 of 215 countries, reflecting its status as one of the smaller nations in Southeast Europe. Population density is relatively moderate at 72.1 people per km² (186.7 per sq mi), while the growth trend is currently negative due to low fertility and significant emigration. Approximately 62.6% of the population resides in urban areas, with the capital city of Skopje serving as the primary demographic hub.

Following the end of World War II, North Macedonia experienced a period of steady population growth as part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Improved healthcare and industrialization during the mid-20th century led to a significant increase in the domestic population and a shift from rural to urban living. Upon achieving independence in September 1991, the nation began a complex transition that affected its demographic trajectory through economic restructuring and regional political shifts. The first census conducted in nearly 20 years, finalized in 2021, provided a critical update to the nation's demographic profile, revealing a smaller population than previously estimated. This decline is largely attributed to the "brain drain" phenomenon, where a significant portion of the younger workforce emigrated to Western Europe in search of better economic opportunities. This historical pattern of migration has left a lasting impact on the country's current demographic structure and age distribution.

Current estimates show that the population of North Macedonia is contracting at an annual rate of -0.189%. This decline is driven by a natural decrease, as the crude death rate of 11.1 per 1,000 people exceeds the crude birth rate of 8.8 per 1,000 people. According to the latest available data, the fertility rate stands at 1.4 births per woman, which is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population size. Demographic projections suggest that these trends may continue as the nation faces an aging population and persistent outward migration. The departure of citizens of reproductive age further exacerbates the low birth rate, creating a cycle of demographic contraction. While government initiatives have aimed to encourage larger families and repatriate the diaspora, the latest rankings place the country 175th globally in fertility, highlighting the scale of the challenge in reversing current growth trends.

The estimated 2026 population density is 72.1 people per km² (186.7 per sq mi), which is a slight decrease from the official 2023 value of 72.5 per km² (187.8 per sq mi).

Latest data shows that 62.6% of the population lives in urban areas, a trend that reflects the ongoing centralization of economic activity and services in the capital and larger regional towns.

In the regional context of Europe, North Macedonia is ranked 34th of 47 countries by population and holds the 7th position out of 8 countries in Southeast Europe. Its population size is comparable to that of neighboring Albania, though it is significantly smaller than other Balkan neighbors like Serbia or Greece. In terms of population density, the nation ranks 32nd in Europe, with its 72.1 people per km² (186.7 per sq mi) sitting near the regional average. Globally, North Macedonia sits at 151st in total population, placing it among the smaller third of the world's nations. While many countries in Southeast Europe are experiencing similar demographic declines, the specific combination of high emigration and a very low fertility rate has placed North Macedonia in a distinct position within the subregion. The concentration of more than 60% of the population in urban centers like Skopje is a common trend across the Balkans as rural areas continue to depopulate.