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Europe Braces for Significant Population Declines by 2100

A recent report from the United Nations has unveiled alarming projections for Europe’s population, suggesting that several countries may experience drastic declines by the year 2100. The findings reveal that areas hit hardest by declining birth rates and aging populations are likely to see some of the steepest drops.

1. Ukraine: -61%

Ukraine tops the list, with a staggering projected decrease of 61%. The ongoing conflict and economic challenges are contributing to this population decline.

2. Albania: -57%

Albania is projected to experience a 57% drop, reflecting ongoing emigration and low birth rates.

3. Lithuania: -57%

Similar to Albania, Lithuania faces a 57% decline due to a combination of factors including youth migration and a declining birth rate.

4. Bosnia and Herzegovina: -56%

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not far behind, expected to see a 56% reduction as its population continues to age.

5. North Macedonia: -52%

North Macedonia is anticipated to lose 52% of its population, primarily as a result of emigration and demographic shifts.

6. Belarus: -52%

Belarus is also forecasted to decline by 52%, driven by economic issues and social instability.

7. Latvia: -50%

Latvia faces a harsh future, with a 50% population decrease likely by the end of the century.

8. Moldova: -50%

Moldova is on track for a similar 50% decline, largely due to persistent outmigration.

9. Poland: -49%

Poland, known for its robust economy, is projected to shrink by 49% as many young people seek opportunities abroad.

10. Montenegro: -48%

Montenegro follows closely with a projected 48% decrease, influenced by an aging populace.

11. Bulgaria: -47%

With a projected decline of 47%, Bulgaria’s population loss can be attributed to declining birth rates and emigration.

12. Serbia: -45%

Serbia is also expected to see significant losses, with forecasts suggesting a 45% drop.

13. Croatia: -44%

As younger generations leave for better prospects, Croatia is projected to face a 44% decline.

14. Andorra: -43%

The small nation of Andorra is estimated to lose 43% of its population.

15. Romania: -43%

Romania is anticipated to experience a similar downturn of 43%, a trend fueled by both youth migration and a low birth rate.

16. Italy: -40%

Italy, known for its rich history, could see a dramatic 40% decrease in its population due to aging and decreased fertility.

17. Estonia: -39%

Estonia is projected to face a 39% decline as demographic trends continue to evolve.

18. Slovakia: -37%

Slovakia is expecting a population drop of 37%, largely due to declining birth rates.

19. Greece: -37%

A 37% decrease is also projected for Greece, where economic challenges continue to influence demographic trends.

20. Kosovo: -35%

Kosovo is forecasted to see a 35% decline, attributed mainly to migration patterns.

21. Malta: -34%

Malta is expected to experience a 34% decrease, reflecting low birth rates and other demographic factors.

22. Spain: -31%

Spain could face a 31% decline in population, driven by similar issues of aging and migration.

23. Slovenia: -23%

Slovenia is projected to lose 23% of its population, as demographic trends shift.

24. Hungary: -23%

Hungary also faces a steep 23% drop, influenced by low fertility rates.

25. Czechia: -22%

Czechia is projected to see a 22% decline.

26. Austria: -19%

Austria is expected to experience a 19% decrease, impacting its robust social systems.

27. Finland: -18%

Finland could see an 18% decline, with low birth rates affecting population growth.

28. Portugal: -16%

Portugal’s population is projected to decrease by 16%.

29. Germany: -16%

Germany, one of Europe’s largest economies, is at risk of a 16% decline.

30. Russia: -12%

Russia is projected to see a 12% drop in population.

31. Iceland: -9%

Iceland faces a smaller anticipated decline of 9%.

32. San Marino: -7%

San Marino is expected to lose 7% of its population by 2100.

33. Belgium: -6%

Belgium is projected to experience a slight decline of 6%.

34. Netherlands: -5%

The Netherlands is expected to see a 5% population decrease.

35. Norway: -4%

Norway, with its robust welfare state, is projected to decline by 4%.

36. Denmark: -2%

A modest decline of 2% is projected for Denmark.

37. Ireland: 0%

Ireland is expected to maintain its population size with no significant changes.

38. Switzerland: +2%

Switzerland represents an exception with a slight increase of 2%.

39. France: +3%

France is projected to see a modest growth of 3%.

40. United Kingdom: +7%

The UK anticipates a population increase of 7%.

41. Sweden: +7%

Sweden also forecasts a rise in population by 7%.

42. Liechtenstein: +9%

Liechtenstein is set to see a growth of 9%.

43. Luxembourg: +10%

Lastly, Luxembourg is expected to experience a notable increase of 10%.

Conclusion

These projections underscore a troubling trend for many European nations, prompting discussions on the social, economic, and political implications of a declining population. Policymakers may need to address these challenges with comprehensive strategies to adapt to the changing demographic landscape.