Bosnia's population has shrunk by 18% since 2013

The publication Demographic Changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2013 to 2024, compiled by the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlights an alarming trend of large-scale emigration, particularly among young people.

The study estimates that more than half of people of Bosnian origin now live abroad.

Between 2013 and 2023, the population shrank by 626,903, from 3,531,159 in 2013 to an estimated 2,904,256 in 2023.

The country’s only post-war census was carried out in 2013, with final results published in 2016. Since then, no further census has been conducted, and population figures are based on statistical projections. Bosnia and Herzegovina conducted its only post-war population census in 2013, officially recording 3,531,159 residents. The results were published three years later. Since then, no new census has been carried out, and statisticians have relied on estimates based on available data.

Political instability, a sense of insecurity, and economic uncertainty are further intensifying the trend of emigration from the country, academician Mirko Pejanović said at the presentation of the proceedings.

The academician noted that smaller communities, from which young people are emigrating en masse, are particularly at risk.

"If local communities are not urgently strengthened and long-term rural development measures launched, many of these areas will face complete depopulation," warned Pejanović.