The World's Fastest Shrinking Countries by Population

Key Takeaways

• Many Eastern European countries (e.g., Moldova, Albania, Latvia, etc.) show negative growth, reflecting a major trend throughout the region
• Larger economies such as Germany, Japan, China, and Italy are also shrinking, signaling that population decline is no longer limited to smaller or developing nations.

Why is Kosovo's Population Shrinking?

Kosovo's population declined in 2024, primarily due to emigration that outweighed the country's natural population growth of nearly 11,000 births over deaths. Young Kosovars are leaving for better economic opportunities in EU countries, driven by large wage differentials and attracted by tighter labor markets abroad. Political instability and inferior infrastructure also contribute to youth dissatisfaction, encouraging this ongoing migration trend.