Kosovo is shrinking and aging

Based on the preliminary result of the 2024 census, Kosovo has 1 million 586 thousand 659 residents, of which about 3 thousand 500 are more males than females. In addition to the shrinking of the population, the data also showed its aging. In 2011, when the preliminary population census was carried out, the average age was around 30 years, while in the 2024 census it turns out to be around 35 years

The resident population of Kosovo has shrunk by more than 150 thousand inhabitants within a decade, the preliminary result of the population and property census, which was published on Friday by the Statistics Agency (ASK), showed.

Based on the preliminary result of the 2024 census, Kosovo has 1 million 586 thousand 659 residents, of which about 3 thousand 500 are more males than females.

In addition to the shrinking of the population, the data also showed its aging. In 2011, when the preliminary population census was carried out, the average age was around 30 years, while in the 2024 census it turns out to be around 35 years.

Avni Kastrati, acting executive director of KAS, has said that the final results of the census are expected to be the same as these preliminary ones, while he has shown that Serbian residents in the northern municipalities of Kosovo have not responded to the call for registration.

"In the four northern municipalities of Kosovo, there was a large part of the boycott. However, there is a participation of citizens. The quality of the data is higher, compared to the previous recording. Technology enabled us to monitor and publish these data", he said.

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Unlike the current one, the 2011 registration process did not include the north at all, which is mainly inhabited by Serbs.

According to the preliminary data of the Statistics Agency, out of the 38 municipalities of Kosovo, in 29 there was a decrease in the number of the population, while there was an increase in 9 municipalities. The municipality with the largest number of inhabitants, according to the results, is that of Pristina, which has 227 thousand resident inhabitants.

The capital is followed by Prizren, which has 147 thousand inhabitants, by Ferizaj with 109 thousand inhabitants, Gjilan with 83 thousand inhabitants and by Peja with 82 thousand inhabitants. The municipality with the largest population increase, of about 84 percent, is that of Fushë Kosova.

In revealing the property registration data, the acting executive director of KAS has shown that 560 dwellings are currently habitable, while he said that family households are growing by 353. 

Prime Minister Albin Kurti has assessed that the population and property registration helps the central authorities in decision-making.

"Without accurate data, without statistics, even the decisions will be inaccurate. In a democracy, making political decisions is very important. I am proud, as prime minister, of the dedication and commitment of those who participated in this process. I personally, in a short period of time, have talked several times with KAS to offer my support. EU, USAID rely on other statistical data to make other decisions. This commitment increases integration in the international arena", said Kurti.

The coordinator for development at UNKT, Arnhilde Spence, has emphasized that attention should be paid to reducing poverty, as she called to work in the direction of providing benefits to those citizens who are more vulnerable. 

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“In terms of reducing poverty, we really need to pay attention to the growing divide between those from urban and rural areas. Those who are in rural areas are left behind... Economic development is not equal and I am asking for a very big effort to make sure that we don't leave anyone behind. And those who are most vulnerable to benefit from economic growth, this is why we stay at the United Nations and continue with the government in this direction", Spence emphasized at the conference announcing the results.

The population census started on April 5 and ended on May 24. The process led by the Statistics Agency has also registered 600 thousand non-resident citizens who are part of the diaspora. Kosovars living abroad have the opportunity to register until the end of August. The final result of the population census is expected to be announced in December this year.