Belarus
Republic of Belarus
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.25%
Belarus is a Eastern Europe landlocked nation of around 9.11 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. This landlocked territory spans 207,600 km² with a density of 44 people per km². Its capital is Minsk, and official languages include Belarusian and Russian, while the Belarusian ruble serves as the national currency.
Population
9,109,280
Area
207,600 km²
Density
44/km²
World Rank
#99
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Deaths (13.3 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (7.1 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 17.7% aged 65 or above and 16.3% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Minsk
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Eastern Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Belarusian, Russian
- Currencies
- Belarusian ruble (Br)
- Calling Code
- +375
- Top-Level Domain
- .by
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 9,109,280
- Land Area
- 207,600 km²
- Population Density
- 44 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.25%
- Annual Growth
- -22,773 people
- Daily Growth
- -62 people
- World Population Share
- 0.11%
- Coordinates
- 53.00°, 28.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $8.3k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 3.4%, below the global average of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 24.4.
Life Expectancy
74.2 years
GDP per Capita
$8,318
Birth Rate
7.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
13.3 per 1,000
Urban Population
79.2%
Fertility Rate
1.21 births/woman
Infant Mortality
1.9 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.4%
Literacy Rate
99.9%
Internet Users
94.3%
Under 15
16.3%
Over 65
17.7%
Health Spending
7.1% GDP
Gini Index
24.4
Age Distribution
0-14 years
1.5M
15-64 years
6.0M
65+ years
1.6M
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 79.2% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. The capital, Minsk, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 3020.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
7.2M
79.2%
1.9M
20.8%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 74.2 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 1.9 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. Near-universal literacy (99.9%) provides a strong foundation for workforce development and civic participation.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Belarus
Belarus has 13 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Belarus's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. With 17.7% of the population already over 65, the aging challenge is likely to deepen in the decades ahead. As a United Nations member state, Belarus participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 9,109,280 |
| 2030 | 9,019,844 |
| 2035 | 8,911,930 |
| 2040 | 8,807,827 |
| 2045 | 8,707,081 |
| 2050 | 8,609,304 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Belarus.
Largest Cities in Belarus
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Belarus by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Belarus?
The population of Belarus is approximately 9.1 million as of 2026, making it #99 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Belarus?
The capital of Belarus is Minsk.
What languages are spoken in Belarus?
The main languages spoken in Belarus are Belarusian, Russian.
How big is Belarus?
Belarus covers an area of 207,600 km² with a population density of 44 people per km².
Is Belarus growing or shrinking?
Belarus's population is declining at a rate of -0.25% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Belarus?
The average life expectancy in Belarus is 74.2 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Belarus?
The GDP per capita of Belarus is $8,318.