North Macedonia Population Overview

Explore the Demographics of North Macedonia

North Macedonia, officially known as the Republic of North Macedonia, is a landlocked country located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. As of 2024, the nation boasts a population of approximately 1.82 million people, reflecting a steady demographic profile with a rich cultural tapestry.

Key Population Statistics (2025)

• Total Population: 1,823,009

• Urban Population: 68.6% (1,250,756 people)

• Population Density: 72 people/km² (187 people/sq mi)

• Median Age: 40.6 years

• Life Expectancy: 77.5 years (Male: 75.3, Female: 79.7)

• Fertility Rate: 1.5 children per woman

• Infant Mortality Rate: 6.1 deaths per 1,000 live births

• Children Under 5 Mortality Rate: 6.9 deaths per 1,000 live births​

These statistics indicate a mature, predominantly urban society with a declining birth rate and a growing median age, characteristic of many European nations.

Ethnic Composition

According to the 2021 census, the ethnic distribution in North Macedonia is as follows:

• Macedonians: 58.4%

• Albanians: 24.3%

• Turks: 3.9%

• Roma: 2.5%

• Serbs: 1.3%

• Bosniaks: 0.9%

• Aromanians (including Meglenitic Romanians): 0.5%

• Others: 1.0%​

Ethnic Albanians predominantly reside in the western and northwestern regions, while Turks are mainly concentrated in municipalities like Plasnica and Centar Župa. The Romani community is dispersed throughout the country, with a significant presence in the municipality of Šuto Orizari, which is notable for having a Muslim Romani majority.

Religious Affiliation

The religious landscape of North Macedonia is diverse:​

• Eastern Orthodox Christianity: 60.4%

• Islam: 32.2%

• Other Christian denominations: 14.3%

• No religion/Atheist: 0.1%

• Other religions: 0.1%

• Unspecified/Unknown: 7.2%​

The majority of Orthodox Christians in the country belong to the Macedonian Orthodox Church, which declared autocephaly from the Serbian Orthodox Church in 1967. Islam has been present since the Ottoman era, with a significant Muslim population, especially among Albanians, Roma, and Turks. Other Christian groups, such as Catholics and Protestants, have smaller communities, with the Macedonian Catholic Church having around 11,266 members.

Urbanization and Population Distribution

North Macedonia exhibits a fairly even distribution of population throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations. The capital city, Skopje, is the largest urban center, housing a significant portion of the nation’s population. Other major cities include Bitola, Tetovo, Kumanovo, and Ohrid, each contributing to the country’s cultural and economic landscape.

Why Understanding Population Matters

Grasping the demographic profile of North Macedonia is crucial for various stakeholders:​

• Investors and Businesses: Assessing market potential and labor force demographics.

• Researchers and Academics: Studying population trends, migration patterns, and cultural dynamics.

• Policy Makers: Formulating policies that address the needs of a diverse and aging population.

• Travelers and Tourists: Gaining insights into the cultural and social fabric of the country.