- By Ridam Sharma
- Wed, 18 Jun 2025 07:29 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Population Decline: Over the past few decades, several nations have showcased rapid population decline instead of growth. The reasons for population decline could be various, from war, economic crises, emigration, ageing populations, and even climate change, which have all reduced the populations of some countries to historically low levels. Based on the most recent UN Population Division statistics, here is a closer look at the list of the top 10 fastest declining countries by percentage, along with their reasons for the drastically low population outcome, as per the Statista report.
List Of The Top 10 Countries With The Fastest Population Decline Per Cent:
Rank | Country | Region | Per cent Decline (2022–2023) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Ukraine | Europe | -8.10 Percent |
2 | Tuvalu | Oceania | -1.80 Percent |
3 | Greece | Europe | -1.60 Percent |
4 | San Marino | Europe | -1.10 Percent |
5 | Kosovo | Landlocked | -1.00 Percent |
6 | St. Vincent & the Grenadines | Latin America & Caribbean | -0.70 Percent |
7 | Belarus | Europe | -0.60 Percent |
8 | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Europe | -0.60 Percent |
9 | Albania | Europe | -0.60 Percent |
10 | Japan | Asia | -0.50 Percent |
Ukraine
Ukraine has seen the fastest population decline in the world, with a massive 8.1 per cent population reduction in just one year. This decline is the consequence of the ongoing war and Russia's invasion in 2022, which was the cause of the refugee crisis, a rise in mortality, and a steep decline in births. Millions have left the nation, and the long-term demographic effect on Ukraine will be devastating.
Tuvalu
This small Pacific island country showcased an 11.8 per cent population drop, led largely by climate change. Rising seas and the danger of floods have led numerous residents to emigrate overseas in pursuit of refuge and certainty, making Tuvalu the world's most climate-exposed nation.
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Greece
Greece's 1.6 per cent population decline comes from a long-term fall in birth rates, economic problems, and the loss of young workers going abroad in search of better conditions. The ageing population adds to the demographic crisis, straining the country's social systems.
San Marino
San Marino is a tiny European microstate which saw its population fall by 1.1 per cent. Just like most of the small European nations, San Mario also suffers from low birth rates and restricted immigration, which makes the population decline with the increase of older people.
Kosovo
Kosovo's 1 per cent decrease in population, primarily due to emigration, as most youths emigrate to seek employment and improve their living standards. Political instability and the limited economic opportunities in the country continue to propel this migration abroad.
St Vincent And The Grenadines
This Caribbean state, St Vincent And The Grenadines, recorded a 0.7 per cent decrease in population, all due to emigration. Natural calamities and poor economic opportunities have led citizens to move, especially to Europe and North America.
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Belarus
Belarus recorded a 0.6 per cent population decrease, all due to political unrest, economic stagnation, and emigration. The political environment in the nation has seen individuals, particularly the young, opt for a better life elsewhere.
Bosnia And Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina's 0.6 per cent population decline is due to ongoing emigration and low birth rates. The long-standing conflict issues, economic problems, and few opportunities for young people are pushing individuals out of the country.
Albania
Albania registered a 0.6 per cent decline in population, with emigration as the main factor for low population rates. The young and educated population of the nation are leaving their homeland behind for better economic stability in Western Europe.
Japan
Japan's 0.5 per cent population fall is due to the lowest birth rates and one of the highest lifespans. The nation has an increasingly ageing population and declining workforce, which all is creating serious social and economic problems.
These nations with the fastest population decline are showcasing the varied causes for low population rates, from war and global warming to economic emigration and growing ageing populations. These population trends across the globe are significantly impacting everything from the economic development of the nation to the social stability of the citizens.