Last Updated:April 17, 2025, 14:08 IST
A growing number of countries around the world are grappling with a demographic challenge that could reshape their economic and social landscapes—population decline. From aging societies to falling birth rates and mass emigration, here are ten nations where the numbers are going down:
1. Japan
Japan has long struggled with a declining birth rate and an aging population. The country’s total population is projected to fall to around 87 million by 2070, with nearly 40% expected to be aged 65 or older. Cultural expectations around gender roles and demanding work conditions continue to deter many from starting families, despite government initiatives like a four-day workweek trial for public employees. (Image: Shutterstock)
2. South Korea
Home to one of the world’s lowest fertility rates, South Korea is seeing a steady decline in population. The country’s intense work culture and high cost of living are major factors. Today, people in their 50s outnumber young children significantly, with those under 10 comprising just over 6% of the population. (Image: Shutterstock)
3. China
After decades under the One Child Policy, China now finds itself facing long-term consequences. Even after easing restrictions, the country is seeing more deaths than births, with a rising median age and declining workforce adding to the pressure. (Image: Shutterstock)
4. Thailand
Thailand is in the midst of a demographic shift. Financial insecurity, household debt, and changing social norms around marriage and parenting are leading many to postpone or avoid having children altogether. (Image: Shutterstock)
5. Russia
Russia’s population is also shrinking, despite government efforts to encourage childbirth. The ongoing war in Ukraine, combined with economic uncertainty and changing attitudes toward family life, has pushed many to delay or opt out of parenthood. (Image: Shutterstock)
6. Ukraine
War and displacement have taken a dramatic toll on Ukraine. Since 2014, the country’s population has dropped by around 10 million due to emigration and civilian casualties related to the conflict. (Image: Shutterstock)
7. Portugal
Portugal has experienced significant emigration among young professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. Between 2008 and 2023, over 360,000 citizens aged 15 to 35 left the country. In response, the government has introduced a tax incentive for returning youth—offering full income tax exemption in the first year, gradually decreasing over a decade. (Image: Shutterstock)
8. Italy
Italy recorded just 370,000 births in 2024—the lowest in over 160 years of national statistics. Economic challenges, especially high youth unemployment and stagnant wages, are pushing many to delay starting families. (Image: Shutterstock)
9. Germany
Germany’s aging population is becoming a growing concern. Projections indicate that the working-age population (20–67 years) will shrink by 2% by 2045, raising questions about long-term economic sustainability. (Image: Shutterstock)
10. Bulgaria
Since joining the European Union in 2007, Bulgaria has seen a steady outflow of young people chasing better pay and prospects abroad. The exodus has depleted the country’s workforce and accelerated its demographic decline. (Image: Shutterstock)