North Macedonia has experienced relatively slow population growth over the past several decades, with recent trends indicating stagnation and even decline. After steady increases in the mid-20th century, the country’s population peaked at just over 2 million in the early 2000s. Since then, factors such as low birth rates, high emigration—especially among younger people seeking better economic opportunities abroad—and an aging population have contributed to a gradual decrease in total population. According to the 2021 census, North Macedonia’s population stood at approximately 1.83 million, reflecting these demographic challenges. The country faces ongoing concerns about workforce shortages and the long-term sustainability of its population growth.
Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
---|---|---|
1950 | 1,224,627 | 48.2 |
1955 | 1,340,031 | 52.7 |
1960 | 1,366,198 | 53.7 |
1965 | 1,469,729 | 57.8 |
1970 | 1,574,407 | 61.9 |
1975 | 1,684,000 | 66.2 |
1980 | 1,792,000 | 70.5 |
1985 | 1,844,740 | 72.5 |
1990 | 1,861,361 | 73.2 |
1995 | 1,954,048 | 76.8 |
2000 | 2,017,370 | 79.3 |
2005 | 2,057,226 | 80.9 |
2010 | 2,079,955 | 81.8 |
2015 | 2,105,107 | 82.8 |
2020 | 2,125,463 | 83.6 |
2022 | 2,130,936 | 83.8 |
2023 | 2,133,410 | 83.9 |
2024 | 2,135,622 | 84 |
2025 | 2,137,556 | 84 |
2030 | 2,141,940 | 84.2 |
2035 | 2,135,941 | 84 |
2040 | 2,120,581 | 83.4 |
2045 | 2,099,476 | 82.5 |
2050 | 2,074,629 | 81.6 |
2055 | 2,044,727 | 80.4 |
2060 | 2,008,015 | 79 |
2065 | 1,964,417 | 77.2 |
2070 | 1,915,606 | 75.3 |
2075 | 1,864,387 | 73.3 |
2080 | 1,813,388 | 71.3 |
2085 | 1,764,371 | 69.4 |
2090 | 1,718,571 | 67.6 |
2095 | 1,676,736 | 65.9 |
2100 | 1,638,458 | 64.4 |
Data from US Census International Database