Moldova
Republic of Moldova
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -2.28%
Situated in Eastern Europe, Moldova has a population of approximately 2.40 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. This landlocked territory spans 33,847 km² with a density of 71 people per km². Its capital is Chișinău, and Romanian is the official language, while the Moldovan leu serves as the national currency.
Population
2,402,306
Area
33,847 km²
Density
71/km²
World Rank
#145
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 (13.6 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (10.8 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 16.2% aged 65 or above and 19.8% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Chișinău
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Eastern Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Romanian
- Currencies
- Moldovan leu (L)
- Calling Code
- +373
- Top-Level Domain
- .md
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 2,402,306
- Land Area
- 33,847 km²
- Population Density
- 71 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -2.28%
- Annual Growth
- -54,773 people
- Daily Growth
- -150 people
- World Population Share
- 0.03%
- Coordinates
- 47.00°, 29.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $7.6k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—below the global average of $12.5k. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 1.5%—well below the world average. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 26.8.
Life Expectancy
71.2 years
GDP per Capita
$7,576
Birth Rate
10.8 per 1,000
Death Rate
13.6 per 1,000
Urban Population
43.5%
Fertility Rate
1.73 births/woman
Infant Mortality
13.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
1.5%
Literacy Rate
99.4%
Internet Users
80.2%
Under 15
19.8%
Over 65
16.2%
Health Spending
6.7% GDP
Gini Index
26.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
475K
15-64 years
1.5M
65+ years
389K
Urbanization
About 43.5% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Chișinău serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 29766.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
1.0M
43.5%
1.4M
56.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 71.2 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 13.5 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. Near-universal literacy (99.4%) 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 Moldova
Moldova has 4 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Moldova's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. With 16.2% of the population already over 65, the aging challenge is likely to deepen in the decades ahead. As a United Nations member state, Moldova participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2,402,306 |
| 2030 | 2,204,200 |
| 2035 | 2,004,427 |
| 2040 | 1,844,940 |
| 2045 | 1,715,833 |
| 2050 | 1,609,998 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Moldova.
Largest Cities in Moldova
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Moldova by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Moldova?
The population of Moldova is approximately 2.4 million as of 2026, making it #145 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Moldova?
The capital of Moldova is Chișinău.
What languages are spoken in Moldova?
The main languages spoken in Moldova are Romanian.
How big is Moldova?
Moldova covers an area of 33,847 km² with a population density of 71 people per km².
Is Moldova growing or shrinking?
Moldova's population is declining at a rate of -2.28% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Moldova?
The average life expectancy in Moldova is 71.2 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Moldova?
The GDP per capita of Moldova is $7,576.