Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina reports significant population decline

demographic decline natural population decrease birth rates death rates Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to experience a significant demographic decline. According to data from the Federal Institute for Statistics, the region recorded a negative natural increase in June 2026, with 1,482 births compared to 1,707 deaths, resulting in a deficit of 225 people.

This downward trend was observed in eight out of ten cantons. The Central Bosnia Canton saw the most pronounced decline, with 227 deaths and only 149 births. Other cantons reporting negative growth include Tuzla and Zenica-Doboj. Only the West Herzegovina Canton and Sarajevo Canton recorded positive natural growth during this period.

For the first half of 2026, the cumulative data shows a total of 7,392 births and 9,800 deaths, meaning the number of deaths exceeded births by 2,408 people between January and June. The largest monthly deficit occurred in January, when deaths exceeded births by 600.