While global population growth continues in many regions, several countries are facing serious depopulation due to low birth rates, aging populations, and high emigration.
Below are the top 10 countries witnessing rapid decline.
Saint Martin
Saint Martin’s population has dropped to about 25,000 in 2025, declining by 4.5% annually. “More than 1,200 people, mostly young adults, leave each year,” experts say, driven by post-Hurricane Irma migration, fewer births, and rising median age.
Cook Islands
Now down to 17,000 residents, the Cook Islands suffer from youth emigration to New Zealand and Australia. “Despite government efforts, we can’t compete with what they offer,” an official admitted.
Marshall Islands
From over 53,000, the population now stands at 41,500 due to mass migration to the U.S. “Rising seas and lack of jobs are forcing us out,” said a local resident.
Greece
Now at 10.1 million, Greece’s shrinking population stems from economic migration and more deaths than births. Experts warn, “It could drop below 9 million by 2050.”
Northern Mariana Islands
With only 47,000 people, outmigration and typhoons have emptied villages and strained services.
Tuvalu
Rising seas and limited opportunities have reduced Tuvalu’s population to just over 11,000.
American Samoa
With 45,000 people, high youth emigration continues. “Families seek better lives in the U.S.,” locals say.
Moldova
Now 2.4 million, Moldova’s crisis is driven by mass emigration and an aging population.
Czech Republic
At 10.5 million, declining birth rates and aging drive the trend.
Estonia
With 1.3 million people, Estonia battles years of low births and steady emigration.