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.
To learn more about this and similar topics
birth and death rates
declining birth rates
Estonian demographics
Estonia Population 2024
immigration statistics
population trends
Statistics Estonia
