# Demographic decline in the Balkans > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/demographic-decline-in-the-balkans > Updated: 2026-09-08T13:20:06.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 4. Demographic decline and aging populations are affecting various regions in the Balkans. In the Serbian municipality of Blace, the average age of residents rose from 45.3 in 2011 to 48.2 in 2022, while the population of citizens aged 15 to 29 decreased by two percent. Local drivers for this youth migration include a lack of industrial employment, unstable agricultural markets, and insufficient social infrastructure. Broader trends are also observed in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Montenegro has entered a stage of low birth rates, with the average number of children per woman dropping from 4.6 in the mid-20th century to approximately 1.7 or 1.8. Demographer Mileva Brajušković-Popović notes the country has entered a “post-transition demographic stage” where economic difficulties and high living costs prevent young people from achieving independence and making decisions regarding parenthood. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, population decline continues. As of mid-2026, the population was estimated at 2,133,059, representing a decrease of 5,062 people from the previous year. Since 2013, the region has seen a population decrease of approximately 3.9 percent. World Bank data highlights a wider regional shift, indicating that seven out of ten Balkan countries are expected to see population declines when comparing 1990 levels to 2025 projections. Bosnia and Herzegovina is projected to see a 29.4 percent drop by 2025, while Bulgaria is expected to see the largest absolute decrease, losing roughly 1.54 million residents. Montenegro, Slovenia, and Greece are noted as the only regional nations showing population growth. Recent data shows these shifts are impacting social infrastructure. In Albania, primary school enrollment fell by approximately 4% in 2024, with a 5.1% decrease in the public sector. North Macedonia is facing a broader crisis; its population has decreased from over 2 million in 1991 to approximately 1.82 million, accompanied by rapid aging. ## Claims - World Bank data shows most Balkan states have fewer inhabitants in 2025 than in 1990. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Montenegro, Slovenia, and Greece are the only three Balkan countries with higher populations in 2025 than in 1990. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Bosnia and Herzegovina's population is projected to decrease by 29.4 percent between 1990 and 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Bulgaria recorded the largest absolute population loss, losing approximately 1.54 million people. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Montenegro's population grew from 606,372 in 1990 to an estimated 623,129 in 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Albania's population decreased by approximately 724,000 people. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Slovenia recorded a population increase of approximately 118,600 people. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Greece saw a population increase of approximately 329,400 people. (corroborated by 2 sources) - North Macedonia's primary school student population decreased by 75,335 over the last 25 years. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The proportion of children aged 0–14 in North Macedonia fell from 20.2% to 16.2% between 1994 and 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Albania's primary school enrollment dropped from 146,962 in 2023 to 141,089 in 2024. (single source) - Private school enrollment in Albania increased by approximately 4.2% in 2024. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: North Macedonia and Albania face education and demographic challenges PISA 2025 results reveal critical education gaps in North Macedonia, where 74% of 15-year-olds lack basic reading skills. Albania faces declining primary enrollment and debates over PISA data accuracy. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/demographic-shifts-impact-school-enrollments-in-albania-and-north-macedonia ### 2026-09-06: Balkan demographics: Most regional nations see population decline since 1990 World Bank data shows most Balkan nations have seen population declines since 1990, with only Montenegro, Slovenia, and Greece recording growth. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/balkan-demographics-most-regional-nations-see-population-decline-since-1990 ### 2026-09-02: Demographic decline impacts Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina face significant demographic challenges, including low birth rates, aging populations, and ongoing depopulation trends driven by economic factors. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/demographic-decline-impacts-montenegro-and-bosnia-and-herzegovina ### 2026-08-31: Blace faces rapid depopulation and youth migration Blace, Serbia, faces rapid depopulation and aging as youth flee the municipality due to unemployment, unstable agricultural markets, and a lack of social and recreational infrastructure. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blace-faces-rapid-depopulation-and-youth-migration --- Cite as: Demographic decline in the Balkans. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/demographic-decline-in-the-balkans