Estonia’s Population Declines in 2024

Text Ingel Kink
Photo Andrei Chertkov

According to preliminary data from Statistics Estonia, Estonia’s population on January 1, 2025, stood at 1,369,285, marking a decrease of 5,402 from the previous year. The decline is primarily attributed to the 9,646 births and 15,596 deaths recorded in 2024. While 13,826 people immigrated to Estonia and 13,278 emigrated, resulting in a net positive migration of 548 individuals.

Terje Trasberg, a leading analyst at Statistics Estonia, said that 2024 was similar to 2023. “Last year, almost 6,000 more people died than were born. Immigration exceeded emigration by 550 people. While in the last two years, positive net migration compensated for the exceptionally low number of births, in 2024 the population as a whole also declined by more than 5,000 people,” Trasberg explained.

Deaths, however, decreased by 400, returning to pre-pandemic levels, although the ageing population suggests this trend may not persist.

Net migration figures showed a positive balance, driven largely by Ukrainian citizens, who comprised 45 per cent of immigrants. Despite this, preliminary migration data is subject to revision, with final figures expected in April 2025. The comprehensive population data and projections will also be updated at that time.

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birth and death rates declining birth rates Estonian demographics Estonia Population 2024 immigration statistics population trends Statistics Estonia