Romania
Romania
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.58%
Romania is a Southeast Europe country of around 19.0 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 238,391 km², translating to a density of 80 people per km². Its capital is Bucharest, and Romanian is the official language, while the Romanian leu serves as the national currency.
Population
19,036,031
Area
238,391 km²
Density
80/km²
World Rank
#68
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 (12.7 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (8 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 20% aged 65 or above and 15.7% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Bucharest
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Southeast Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Romanian
- Currencies
- Romanian leu (lei)
- Calling Code
- +40
- Top-Level Domain
- .ro
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 19,036,031
- Land Area
- 238,391 km²
- Population Density
- 80 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.58%
- Annual Growth
- -110,409 people
- Daily Growth
- -302 people
- World Population Share
- 0.24%
- Coordinates
- 46.00°, 25.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $20.1k, Romania sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 6%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 29.8.
Life Expectancy
76.6 years
GDP per Capita
$20,080
Birth Rate
8.0 per 1,000
Death Rate
12.7 per 1,000
Urban Population
52.2%
Fertility Rate
1.71 births/woman
Infant Mortality
5.4 per 1,000
Unemployment
6.0%
Literacy Rate
99.2%
Internet Users
91.3%
Under 15
15.7%
Over 65
20.0%
Health Spending
5.7% GDP
Gini Index
29.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
3.0M
15-64 years
12.2M
65+ years
3.8M
Urbanization
About 52.2% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Bucharest, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 29041.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
9.9M
52.2%
9.1M
47.8%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 76.6 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 5.4 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. Near-universal literacy (99.2%) 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 Romania
Romania has 26 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Romania's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. With 20% of the population already over 65, the aging challenge is likely to deepen in the decades ahead. As a United Nations member state, Romania participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 19,036,031 |
| 2030 | 18,618,926 |
| 2035 | 18,151,407 |
| 2040 | 17,734,268 |
| 2045 | 17,359,189 |
| 2050 | 17,019,376 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Romania.
Largest Cities in Romania
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Romania by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Romania?
The population of Romania is approximately 19.0 million as of 2026, making it #68 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Romania?
The capital of Romania is Bucharest.
What languages are spoken in Romania?
The main languages spoken in Romania are Romanian.
How big is Romania?
Romania covers an area of 238,391 km² with a population density of 80 people per km².
Is Romania growing or shrinking?
Romania's population is declining at a rate of -0.58% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Romania?
The average life expectancy in Romania is 76.6 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Romania?
The GDP per capita of Romania is $20,080.