Serbia
Republic of Serbia
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.48%
Serbia is a Southeast Europe landlocked nation of around 6.57 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. This landlocked territory spans 77,589 km² with a density of 85 people per km². Its capital is Belgrade, and Serbian is the official language, while the Serbian dinar serves as the national currency.
Population
6,567,783
Area
77,589 km²
Density
85/km²
World Rank
#109
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 (14.7 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (9.2 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 22.7% aged 65 or above and 14.3% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Belgrade
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Southeast Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Serbian
- Currencies
- Serbian dinar (дин.)
- Calling Code
- +381
- Top-Level Domain
- .rs, .срб
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 6,567,783
- Land Area
- 77,589 km²
- Population Density
- 85 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.48%
- Annual Growth
- -31,525 people
- Daily Growth
- -86 people
- World Population Share
- 0.08%
- Coordinates
- 44.00°, 21.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $13.7k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—roughly in line with the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 7.1%, above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 32.8 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
76.2 years
GDP per Capita
$13,679
Birth Rate
9.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
14.7 per 1,000
Urban Population
62.4%
Fertility Rate
1.61 births/woman
Infant Mortality
4.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
7.1%
Literacy Rate
99.3%
Internet Users
87.7%
Under 15
14.3%
Over 65
22.7%
Health Spending
8.0% GDP
Gini Index
32.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
940K
15-64 years
4.1M
65+ years
1.5M
Urbanization
About 62.4% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Belgrade, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 13086.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
4.1M
62.4%
2.5M
37.6%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 76.2 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 4.5 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. Near-universal literacy (99.3%) 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 Serbia
Serbia has 6 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Serbia's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. With 22.7% of the population already over 65, the aging challenge is likely to deepen in the decades ahead. As a United Nations member state, Serbia participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 6,567,783 |
| 2030 | 6,447,865 |
| 2035 | 6,311,550 |
| 2040 | 6,188,046 |
| 2045 | 6,075,330 |
| 2050 | 5,971,732 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Serbia.
Largest Cities in Serbia
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Serbia by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Serbia?
The population of Serbia is approximately 6.6 million as of 2026, making it #109 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Serbia?
The capital of Serbia is Belgrade.
What languages are spoken in Serbia?
The main languages spoken in Serbia are Serbian.
How big is Serbia?
Serbia covers an area of 77,589 km² with a population density of 85 people per km².
Is Serbia growing or shrinking?
Serbia's population is declining at a rate of -0.48% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Serbia?
The average life expectancy in Serbia is 76.2 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Serbia?
The GDP per capita of Serbia is $13,679.