Population growth has long been seen as an indicator of development and well-being, but today part of the world is facing a new reality: demographic contraction.
According to World Bank data, 42 countries and territories are currently experiencing population decline, with some at much higher rates. The majority of these countries are located in Eastern Europe, with Kosovo, Moldova and North Macedonia among the worst-hit. The main cause remains mass emigration to more developed countries.
Albania ranks ninth among the 10 countries with the largest population contraction in the world for 2024. The World Bank bases this assessment on the annual demographic growth rates for each country.
Experts point out that Eastern European countries have experienced a high level of emigration over the past few decades, due to significant differences in wages with Western Europe, as well as the ease of movement brought about by the European integration process.
