North Macedonia
Republic of North Macedonia
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.19%
Situated in Southeast Europe, North Macedonia has a population of approximately 1.82 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. This landlocked territory spans 25,713 km² with a density of 71 people per km². Its capital is Skopje, and Macedonian is the official language, while the denar serves as the national currency.
Population
1,824,359
Area
25,713 km²
Density
71/km²
World Rank
#152
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 (11 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (9.2 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 18% aged 65 or above and 16.8% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Skopje
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Southeast Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Macedonian
- Currencies
- denar (den)
- Calling Code
- +389
- Top-Level Domain
- .mk
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 1,824,359
- Land Area
- 25,713 km²
- Population Density
- 71 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.19%
- Annual Growth
- -3,466 people
- Daily Growth
- -9 people
- World Population Share
- 0.02%
- Coordinates
- 41.83°, 22.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $9.3k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 12.3%, well above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 33.5 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
75.3 years
GDP per Capita
$9,292
Birth Rate
9.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
11.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
62.6%
Fertility Rate
1.50 births/woman
Infant Mortality
2.8 per 1,000
Unemployment
12.3%
Literacy Rate
96.1%
Internet Users
87.2%
Under 15
16.8%
Over 65
18.0%
Health Spending
7.4% GDP
Gini Index
33.5
Age Distribution
0-14 years
307K
15-64 years
1.2M
65+ years
329K
Urbanization
About 62.6% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Skopje serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 5645.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
1.1M
62.6%
683,040
37.4%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 75.3 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 2.8 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. The literacy rate of 96.1% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
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 North Macedonia
North Macedonia has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, North Macedonia's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. With 18% of the population already over 65, the aging challenge is likely to deepen in the decades ahead. As a United Nations member state, North Macedonia participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,824,359 |
| 2030 | 1,810,481 |
| 2035 | 1,793,174 |
| 2040 | 1,775,932 |
| 2045 | 1,758,769 |
| 2050 | 1,741,698 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for North Macedonia.
Largest Cities in North Macedonia
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in North Macedonia by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of North Macedonia?
The population of North Macedonia is approximately 1.8 million as of 2026, making it #152 in the world by population.
What is the capital of North Macedonia?
The capital of North Macedonia is Skopje.
What languages are spoken in North Macedonia?
The main languages spoken in North Macedonia are Macedonian.
How big is North Macedonia?
North Macedonia covers an area of 25,713 km² with a population density of 71 people per km².
Is North Macedonia growing or shrinking?
North Macedonia's population is declining at a rate of -0.19% per year.
What is the life expectancy in North Macedonia?
The average life expectancy in North Macedonia is 75.3 years.
What is the GDP per capita of North Macedonia?
The GDP per capita of North Macedonia is $9,292.