RZS: Population reduced by another 22,109 due to negative natural growth

Serbia's population continues to shrink, with a decrease of 22,109 people recorded in the first seven months of 2026 alone. This decline is attributed to a negative natural population growth rate, according to the Republic Statistical Office (RZS).

From January to July 2026, Serbia recorded 33,345 live births and 55,454 deaths. While the RZS noted a slight positive trend compared to the same period in 2025 – with a 2% increase in live births (652 more babies) and a 0.9% decrease in deaths (531 fewer deaths) – these changes were insufficient to offset the overall negative balance.

The long-term demographic trend is stark. The RZS data reveals that between 2012 and the end of 2025, Serbia's population decreased by a significant 579,953 individuals due to negative natural growth. During that 14-year period, the country registered 888,622 births against 1,469,576 deaths.

This ongoing demographic challenge highlights a persistent issue for Serbia, where the number of deaths consistently outpaces the number of births, leading to a steady decline in the overall population. The slight improvements in birth and death rates in early 2026 do not alter the fundamental trajectory of population loss.