Romania’s population has experienced significant changes over the past several decades. After reaching a peak of around 23.2 million people in the early 1990s, the country has seen a steady decline in population due to a combination of low birth rates, high mortality rates, and substantial emigration, particularly following the fall of communism and Romania’s accession to the European Union in 2007. As of 2023, Romania’s population is estimated to be around 19 million, marking one of the most pronounced population decreases in the European Union. This demographic trend has resulted in an aging population and challenges related to workforce shortages, economic growth, and social services.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 16,311,000 | 71 |
| 1955 | 17,325,000 | 75.4 |
| 1960 | 18,403,414 | 80.1 |
| 1965 | 19,027,367 | 82.8 |
| 1970 | 20,252,541 | 88.1 |
| 1975 | 21,245,103 | 92.4 |
| 1980 | 22,130,036 | 96.3 |
| 1985 | 22,521,195 | 98 |
| 1990 | 22,865,945 | 99.5 |
| 1995 | 22,687,407 | 98.7 |
| 2000 | 22,262,406 | 96.8 |
| 2005 | 21,405,705 | 93.1 |
| 2010 | 20,532,547 | 89.3 |
| 2015 | 19,873,138 | 86.4 |
| 2020 | 18,986,068 | 82.6 |
| 2022 | 18,519,899 | 80.6 |
| 2023 | 18,326,327 | 79.7 |
| 2024 | 18,148,155 | 78.9 |
| 2025 | 17,985,252 | 78.2 |
| 2030 | 17,337,578 | 75.4 |
| 2035 | 16,854,271 | 73.3 |
| 2040 | 16,413,489 | 71.4 |
| 2045 | 15,991,781 | 69.6 |
| 2050 | 15,560,475 | 67.7 |
| 2055 | 15,100,368 | 65.7 |
| 2060 | 14,622,118 | 63.6 |
| 2065 | 14,153,703 | 61.6 |
| 2070 | 13,712,467 | 59.6 |
| 2075 | 13,299,722 | 57.9 |
| 2080 | 12,912,067 | 56.2 |
| 2085 | 12,544,376 | 54.6 |
| 2090 | 12,187,288 | 53 |
| 2095 | 11,832,494 | 51.5 |
| 2100 | 11,470,100 | 49.9 |
Data from US Census International Database