Montenegro, a small Balkan country, has experienced relatively slow population growth in recent decades. According to official statistics, the population peaked at around 620,000 in the early 2000s but has since shown signs of decline, with estimates in 2023 placing it at approximately 617,000. This stagnation is largely due to low birth rates, an aging population, and significant emigration, particularly among young people seeking better economic opportunities abroad. As a result, Montenegro faces demographic challenges similar to many other countries in the region, including a shrinking workforce and increasing pressure on social services. The government has recognized these issues and is exploring policies to encourage higher birth rates and attract return migration, but reversing the trend remains a significant challenge.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 395,587 | 29.4 |
| 1955 | 431,658 | 32.1 |
| 1960 | 461,487 | 34.3 |
| 1965 | 491,051 | 36.5 |
| 1970 | 514,472 | 38.2 |
| 1975 | 549,000 | 40.8 |
| 1980 | 560,000 | 41.6 |
| 1985 | 560,562 | 41.7 |
| 1990 | 583,202 | 43.4 |
| 1995 | 623,521 | 46.4 |
| 2000 | 622,985 | 46.3 |
| 2005 | 620,641 | 46.1 |
| 2010 | 622,553 | 46.3 |
| 2015 | 619,723 | 46.1 |
| 2020 | 609,786 | 45.3 |
| 2022 | 604,966 | 45 |
| 2023 | 602,445 | 44.8 |
| 2024 | 599,849 | 44.6 |
| 2025 | 597,174 | 44.4 |
| 2030 | 582,062 | 43.3 |
| 2035 | 563,539 | 41.9 |
| 2040 | 542,316 | 40.3 |
| 2045 | 519,245 | 38.6 |
| 2050 | 494,545 | 36.8 |
| 2055 | 472,017 | 35.1 |
| 2060 | 456,072 | 33.9 |
| 2065 | 443,734 | 33 |
| 2070 | 431,643 | 32.1 |
| 2075 | 419,900 | 31.2 |
| 2080 | 408,512 | 30.4 |
| 2085 | 397,737 | 29.6 |
| 2090 | 387,958 | 28.8 |
| 2095 | 379,193 | 28.2 |
| 2100 | 371,282 | 27.6 |
Data from US Census International Database