Montenegro Rate of Natural Increase

Montenegro’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth and death rates, excluding migration—has been close to zero or slightly negative in recent years, reflecting low birth rates and an aging population. This trend is similar to most of its Balkan neighbors, such as Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, all of which also experience negative or near-zero RNIs due to declining fertility rates and substantial emigration. In contrast, Albania stands out in the region with a somewhat higher, though still modest, RNI, owing to slightly higher birth rates compared to its neighbors. Overall, Montenegro and its surrounding countries are grappling with demographic challenges characterized by slow or negative natural population growth, which poses concerns for future labor force and economic development.

Data from US Census International Database