Demographic decline impacts Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Demographic shifts and population decline are impacting Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Montenegro, demographer Mileva Brajušković-Popović notes the country has entered a post-transition demographic stage characterized by low birth rates and a growing elderly population. She highlights that economic difficulties and the high cost of living prevent young people from becoming independent, which in turn affects decisions regarding parenthood. The average number of children per woman in Montenegro has dropped from 4.6 in the mid-20th century to approximately 1.7 or 1.8 today.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina reported a continued trend of depopulation and rapid aging. As of mid-2026, the population was estimated at 2,133,059, a decrease of 5,062 people compared to the previous year. Since 2013, the region has lost approximately 3.9 percent of its population. While the Sarajevo and West Herzegovina cantons saw slight growth, most other areas experienced declines. Mostar remains the largest city in the Herzegovina-Neretva canton, which has seen its population decrease by 5.7 percent since 2013.