IOM: North Macedonia Faces Declining Birth Rate and Demographic Crisis

IOM’s 2026 World Migration Report estimates that Europe is facing major structural transformations, while the demographic crisis remains one of the region’s central challenges. According to the report, the situation could worsen in the coming decades, with North Macedonia ranking among the countries most affected.

North Macedonia is among the countries where the birth rate has fallen below the population replacement level. The situation is further compounded by the emigration of people of reproductive age, as the departure of young people reduces the country’s future demographic capacity.

Data analysed for the 2005-2024 period show that Luxembourg, Malta and Ireland recorded population growth. Meanwhile, a large number of countries, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, saw significant declines.

For North Macedonia, as for many other countries in this group, projections warn that the negative trend will continue unless effective policies are implemented to increase fertility and halt the departure of the young workforce. (koha.mk)