Serbia Population 2026
As of 2025, Serbia's population is estimated at 6,586,476, reflecting a continued demographic decline. The country ranks 109th globally by population size and is classified as an upper-middle-income economy in the Europe & Central Asia region.
Population Trend (Serbia)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Serbia's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
Serbia's population has been shrinking steadily over the past decade. The latest one-year growth rate stands at -0.55%, while the 10-year average annual growth rate is even lower at -0.79%. This persistent decline places Serbia among the countries with the most rapid population decreases in Europe and Central Asia, a region already characterized by low fertility rates and aging populations.
The negative growth trend is driven by a combination of low birth rates, high emigration, and an aging demographic structure. As an upper-middle-income country, Serbia faces challenges common to many post-socialist European nations, including brain drain and rural depopulation. The country's population of roughly 6.6 million in 2025 is a notable drop from earlier decades, with projections indicating further contraction unless migration or fertility patterns shift.
Regionally, Serbia's demographic trajectory mirrors that of neighboring Balkan states, though its absolute population remains one of the larger in the Western Balkans. The global rank of 109th reflects its medium size relative to other nations, but the negative growth rates highlight a structural demographic challenge that impacts labor markets, social security systems, and economic planning.
Despite these trends, Serbia's population density and urban concentration vary significantly, with the capital Belgrade and the northern province of Vojvodina retaining higher population shares. The data underscores the need for policies addressing fertility, emigration, and integration of returning diaspora to stabilize the population over the long term.
Key Facts
- Serbia's population in 2025 is 6,586,476.
- The one-year population growth rate is -0.55%.
- Over the past 10 years, the average annual growth rate has been -0.79%.
- Serbia ranks 109th in the world by population size.
- The country is classified as an upper-middle-income economy in the Europe & Central Asia region.
- The population has been declining due to low birth rates and net emigration.