Bosnia's Una-Sana Canton loses nearly 6,000 residents in four years as population decline continues

Figures from the Federal Office of Statistics show that the canton's estimated population declined from 264,248 in mid-2021 to 258,395 in mid-2025, a decrease of 5,853 people, or approximately 2.2 percent.

Compared with 2024, when the population was estimated at 259,586, the figure fell by a further 1,191.

The decline reflects a combination of negative natural population growth and outward migration, trends that have persisted for several years.

Deaths continue to outnumber births

In 2025, Una-Sana Canton recorded 1,399 live births and 2,143 deaths, resulting in a natural population decrease of 744.

Although births increased slightly compared with 2024, when 1,335 children were born, the improvement was insufficient to reverse the overall trend.

The canton has recorded more deaths than births every year since at least 2021.

Migration has added to the demographic pressure. During 2025, a total of 1,887 people registered as moving into the canton, while 2,367 registered as leaving, producing a negative migration balance of 480.

The largest net losses were recorded among people aged 20 to 39, a demographic group particularly important to the region's workforce and long-term economic development.

Across these age groups, the canton recorded a net migration loss of 313 people.

Slovenia and Austria lead foreign destinations

Of the 464 officially registered departures abroad in 2025, 232 were to Slovenia and 191 to Austria.

Croatia accounted for 24 departures, Serbia for eight and Germany for seven, while one departure each was registered to the Netherlands and Japan.

Una-Sana Canton accounted for approximately 31.6 percent of all 1,470 officially registered departures abroad from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the year.

Within the canton, Velika Kladusa recorded the largest negative migration balance, at 197 people, followed by Bosanska Krupa with 123 and Cazin with 87.

Bihac recorded an equal number of arrivals and departures, while Sanski Most registered a small positive balance of 11.

Official figures do not capture all emigration

The statistical office cautioned that international migration figures include only departures formally reported to the relevant authorities.

As a result, the 464 registered departures abroad should not be interpreted as the total number of people who emigrated from Una-Sana Canton.

The figures are based on official residence-registration records maintained by Bosnia and Herzegovina's Identification Documents, Registers and Data Exchange Agency (IDDEEA).

Nevertheless, the data highlight a sustained demographic challenge for northwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina, where deaths continue to outnumber births and the loss of working-age residents raises concerns about the region's long-term economic prospects.