Moldova’s population falls to about 2.3 million as out‑migration and low birthrates continue

The National Bureau of Statistics reports that the number of people with usual residence in the Republic of Moldova fell to 2.36 million at the start of 2026, down roughly 23,000 from the previous year. The decline is driven by a natural decrease—deaths exceeded births by about 10,000 in 2025—and continued net out‑migration of around 13,000 people. Births in 2025 numbered only 22,100, giving a fertility rate of 1.68 children per woman, well below replacement level. The share of the population aged 60‑79 rose to 23.6%, indicating rapid ageing.

Economic data show a rise in the average gross monthly salary to 15,472 lei (up 9.8% nominally, 1.9% in real terms), with the IT sector leading at over 35,700 lei. Urban households earn about 70% more than rural ones, and remittances from abroad account for 7.2% of total household income. Inflation reached 6.8% in 2025, driven largely by a 48% increase in electricity tariffs.

Another report cites a drop of more than 15,000 residents in 2025, bringing the total to roughly 2 million at 1 January 2026, reinforcing the picture of a shrinking population.