The number of the population with habitual residence on January 1, 2024, according to provisional data presented by the National Bureau of Statistics, was 2,423.3 million. This indicator is by 69,000 people or 2.8 percent lower compared to the beginning of the previous year, IPN reports.

According to the NBS, the PHA (population with habitual residence) represents the persons who lived mainly on the territory of the Republic of Moldova over the last 12 months of the reference year, regardless of the temporary absences.

To a greater extent, the population decline was more pronounced in rural areas – by 3.6% less compared to 2023, and in urban areas – by 1.6% less.

As the previous years, the decline in population was largely influenced by the net international migration, which remains negative. The negative natural increase also grew. In 2023 it was -9,700.

According to the NBS, the distribution of the population by regions and particular age groups is almost uniform. In this regard, the municipality of Chisinau stands out. The share of elderly people able to work is the highest her. ATU Gagauzia has the highest share of young people (0-15 years old) – 20.3% or every fifth inhabitant of this region.

The share of the elderly population (60-63 years old) increased in all the development regions compared to 2023. The largest increases in the share of elderly people are recorded in the Centre region and the South region – by 1.5%.

The female population, as the previous years, continues to prevail. According to estimates, at the beginning of 2024, the female population was 1.293.8 million or 53.4% of the country’s population.