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[BUSINESS] · North Macedonia · 4 sources

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Part of situation: Demographic and social challenges in the Balkans (11 clusters)

North Macedonia faces demographic crisis and labor shortages

demographic crisis emigration labor shortage real estate market population decline

North Macedonia is facing a severe demographic and economic crisis driven by high emigration rates and a declining birth rate. Economists report a net loss of approximately 14,000 citizens annually, with World Bank data indicating that over 530,000 people have left the country since 1992.

Academic Taki Fiti warns that the population could drop to as low as 1.2 million by 2050. This decline is attributed to a low fertility rate of 1.44 children per woman, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1. The aging population is creating increasing pressure on pensions, healthcare, and the labor market, leading to a shortage of skilled professionals in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing.

This demographic shift has created a paradoxical real estate market. Despite the 2021 census revealing that over 307,000 apartments remain unoccupied, property prices continue to rise. In cities like Skopje and Ohrid, prices per square meter have exceeded 3,000 euros. Real estate sales in the second quarter of 2026 saw a 20.2 percent annual increase, driven by investors using property as a savings vehicle rather than for immediate habitation.

Entities

Abil Baush · North Macedonia · Skopje · Taki Fiti · Visar Ademi · World Bank

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 530,000 people have emigrated from the country since 1992 according to World Bank data. tetova1.mk
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] According to the 2021 census, over 307,000 apartments in North Macedonia are unoccupied. zurnal.mk
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The population could decrease to approximately 1.2 million by 2050 due to low fertility and emigration. ts.mk
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Real estate sales in the second quarter of 2026 increased by 20.2 percent compared to the previous year. zurnal.mk
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The fertility rate is approximately 1.44 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1. ts.mk
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] North Macedonia loses approximately 14,000 citizens annually. tetova1.mk

Sources

Mbi 14 mijë qytetarë largohen çdo vit nga vendi [tetova1.mk]
Ќе го изгуби ли македонскиот работник своето место во Македонија? – Утрински Весник [utrinskivesnik.mk]
Vendi praktikisht do të zbrazet – Akademiku Fiti me parashikim alarmant për demografinë e Maqedonisë [ts.mk]
307 илјади станови празни, а цената на квадрат расте ли расте [zurnal.mk]