Japan's population plummets: How it compares among the world's fastest shrinking nations
July 29
Japan's total population declined for the 15th straight year in 2023, dropping by more than 500,000 people as the population ages and births remain low, new data from the country's Interior Ministry showed.
Economists warn shrinking populations hurt economic growth and could have negative implications for labour forces and social support systems.
But Japan isn't alone in facing population declines. Other countries, especially in Eastern Europe, are experiencing similar falls, largely driven by migration.
Swipe through for a look at the nations where populations are shrinking the fastest.
10. Albania
It is estimated that more than 38 per cent of Albanian citizens live abroad. Its to population is forecast to drop by 15.8 per cent over the next 30 years, from 2.9 million people to 2.4 million people.
9. Japan
Economic powerhouse Japan s projected to lose 20.7 million people between 2020 and 2050, taking its total population from 126.5 million to 105.8 million.
Surveys show that younger Japanese are increasingly reluctant to marry or have children, discouraged by bleak job prospects and the high cost of living.
8. Moldova
Poverty and corruption in Moldova have pushed the highly-skilled, young workers away from the country. The number of people is set to shrink from 3.3 million in 2020 to 2.7 million by 2050.
7. Croatia
Low birth rates and high death rates are behind the forecast dip in Croatia's population from 4.1 million people to 3.4 million people over the next three decades.
6. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina's fertility rate is well below the population replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman at 1.26 births per woman. Its population is forecast to decline from 3.3 million in 2020 to 2.7 million in 2050.
5. Serbia
The Serbian population is expected to decline from 8.7 million to 7.1 million by 2050. It's largely driven by poor economic opportunities forcing people to move overseas.
4. Ukraine
War-torn Ukraine's population is projected to fall from 43.7 million in 2020 to 35.2 million over the next 30 years, a 19.5 per cent drop. High emigration rates coupled with high death and low birth rates are the main causes.
3. Latvia
The small Baltic country of Latvia has lost about one-fifth of its population since joining the European Union in May 2004, down largely to migration.
It is expecting a 21.6 per cent population loss between 2020 and 2050.
2. Lithuania
The Lithuanian population is forecast to shrink by 22.1 per cent over the next three decades, from 2.7 million people to 2.1 million.
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