Global demographic trends show accelerating population declines

Global demographic trends show an accelerating pattern of population decline in several regions. The Cook Islands is experiencing one of the fastest shrinkage rates, with a projected population decrease of approximately 2.15 percent in 2025. This decline is primarily driven by high emigration rates, as residents utilize their New Zealand citizenship to seek education and employment in New Zealand and Australia.

Moldova is identified as the fastest-shrinking sovereign nation outside of small island territories. Between 2020 and 2024, the country lost roughly 25 percent of its population, recording an annual decline of 1.22 percent in 2024.

In the United States, overall population growth has slowed to below 1 percent annually. While the nation continues to grow, specific states are seeing declines. Vermont and Hawaii recorded the largest losses, while California also saw a slight year-over-year decrease of 0.02 percent. Conversely, states like Texas, South Carolina, and North Carolina are experiencing significant growth.