The 10 fastest shrinking countries in the world
While the global population continues to soar, some countries saw immense population declines this year.
According to data from the United Nations, Pacific island nations dominated the countries with the largest losses in 2024, followed by locations in Eastern Europe.
High emigration, low immigration, and low birth rates were common contributing factors.
Click through to see which nations shrunk the most in 2024.
10. Estonia
Estonia in Eastern Europe is the tenth fastest shrinking nation in the world in 2024, with a 0.98 per cent population decrease.
It's one of many in the region facing population decline, mostly due to political instability, low quality of life, and low immigration and birth rates.
According to UN predictions, 9 of the top 10 nations expected to shrink the most by 2050 are in Eastern Europe, including Bulgaria in first place (22.5 per cent decrease).
9. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic - most famous for its charming capital, Prague - is a surprising addition this list, with a 1.04 per cent population decline this year.
This small decrease follows a population spike between 2021 and 2023, as well as a gradually increasing population since 2001, however the UN predicts this trend will continue next year due to low immigration and fertility.
5. Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the North Pacific, is the fifth fastest shrinking nation in 2024, with a 1.76 per cent population decline.
It's estimated just under 44,000 people live in the Islands, a number that's been in sharp decline since the year 2000.
Like other Pacific Island nations on this list, low immigration and high emigration levels, as well as persistently low fertility, are to blame.
4. Greece
Despite being a tourist hotspot that many dream of living in, Greece experienced the fourth largest population decline (1.77 per cent) in 2024.
Current projections suggest its population could fall to around 8 million by 2050 from just over 10 million in 2024.
Among other factors, the Greek economic crisis of the 2010s is largely to blame, leading to a dramatic reduction in fertility rates and heightened emigration that has driven down the population.
3. Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands - a chain of land masses and atolls in the middle of the Pacific - are yet another island nation near the top of this list, with a 3.38 per cent population decrease in 2024.
The population fell from around 27,500 at the end of 2023 to 26,100 at the end of 2024.
Emigration is largely responsible for this shrinkage, with many leaving for greater opportunities in urban areas, and due to climate change threats.
2. Cook Islands
The Cook Islands come in second for the nation with the fastest declining population in 2024, recording a 3.46 per cent population decrease.
A cluster of factors including low immigration and high emigration and low fertility are likely responsible for this Pacific nation's shrinkage.
The population has been falling since the late 2010s, with further decline expected in the next twenty-five years.
It's estimated population at the end of 2024 is over 13,500, according to United Nations estimates.
1. St Martin
The Caribbean island of Saint Martin had the fastest shrinking population in 2024, with a decline of almost 5 per cent.
With a net increase of 1 person every 360 minutes according to estimates, it's hard to believe this tropical paradise was the least desired place to live on earth this year.
Its population has been declining since 2015, and will likely continue to fall as people move to urban areas abroad.
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