Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Countries with the World’s Oldest Populations in 2023

Countries with the World's Oldest Populations

As global birth rates continue to fall and life expectancies rise, populations are aging rapidly across the world. Per the World Bank’s latest study, these 20 nations currently possess the most elderly citizens, with over 20% aged 65 or older. Policymakers must grapple with the economic, healthcare, and social impacts of having increasingly older populations.

Japan: The World’s Oldest Country Faces a Population Crisis

With 28% over 65 years old and a median age of 48, Japan possesses the globe’s oldest people. By 2050, senior citizens may comprise nearly 40% of the country’s total population. Japan’s aging crisis stems primarily from declining birth rates and rising longevity in recent decades. Compounding this, marriages continue to drop, while only 2% of births occur outside of wedlock. Approximately one-quarter of Japanese citizens do not marry by age 50, further suppressing fertility levels. The number of retirees now matches that of active workers, creating an immense economic burden.

Italy: Europe’s Oldest Population Dealing with the Emigration Crisis

As the eldest country in Europe, Italy has witnessed 23% of its populace reach ages 65+. Falling marriage, fertility, and birth rates among industrialized countries drive Italy’s aging population. However, high youth emigration also fuels this demographic shift, as many graduates seek opportunities abroad rather than endure Italy’s economic stagnation and unemployment. Additional cultural challenges exist around marriage and pregnancies for women in the familial home. In addition, you can also read an article on- Top 10 Largest Cities in The World 2023 [With Current Populations]

Greece, Portugal, and Finland: Worst Aging Projections in the EU

After Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Finland possess the EU’s next oldest populations per percentage. All three face a shrinking tax base as over 22% of citizens turn 65 or older. Greece battles financial hardships, prompting later parenting and declining fertility rates. Portugal warns of mass elder poverty in the coming years, forecasting over 10,000 centenarians by 2050. And while Finland’s government aids rising birth rates against aging, long-term issues continue around healthcare budgets and social services.

Germany, France, and Sweden: Working Population Declines Underway

Germany, France, and Sweden each have a fifth of their populations currently of retirement age. Germany and Sweden now see fewer and fewer younger laborers entering the workforce to support growing elderly cohorts. Sweden tries to combat this with family policies that encourage higher birth rates, but challenges remain. Meanwhile, France gained nearly 35 extra years of life expectancy in the last century, compounding aging issues. If you want you can also read- Most Expensive Countries to Live in

Bulgaria, Latvia, and Lithuania: Post-Soviet States Depopulating Rapidly

Following the dissolution of the Soviet bloc, Bulgaria, Latvia, and Lithuania confront alarming demographic changes, especially growing percentages of seniors. Long-term low birth rates and high emigration among youth leave these countries depopulating. Bulgaria could shrink from 9 to 5.4 million residents by 2050 owing to low fertility and young citizens pursuing better prospects overseas.

Croatia, Slovenia Malta: The Newest EU Members Face Large Aging Populations

Many recent EU newcomers already share the burden of aging societies. Croatia manages 20.8% of seniors with ongoing fertility declines due to a lack of pregnancy support. Facing similar issues, neighbor Slovenia rolls out immigration schemes and private elderly facilities to account for rising retirees. And tiny Malta warned its elderly numbers could reach 35% by 2065 as children relocate abroad chasing career advancement.

You May Find Interest: Most Beautiful Countries in the World

Hungary, Czech Republic: Government Programs Offer Incentives Against Aging Trends

Hungary and the Czech Republic actively utilize state policies to counter aging headwinds. Hungary provides financial incentives for couples that have multiple children, trying to boost low fertility rates. Czech officials conduct public awareness campaigns informing citizens about aging challenges. Both promote and develop assisted living centers for the growing share of elderly residents.


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

Bitcoin Hits $100K as Ethereum Soars
Bitcoin Hits $100K as Ethereum Soars — Crypto’s Best Week Yet
Tish Cyrus Miley Cyrus Feud
Tish Cyrus Clears the Air on Miley Cyrus Feud Rumors
pakistan claims india struck airbases
India Allegedly Strikes 3 Pakistani Airbases with Missiles, Drones
taylor swift praises dublin stadium staff mid song
Taylor Swift Subpoenaed in Blake Lively–Baldoni Film Lawsuit
Thunderbolts Hits $35M Weekend
‘Thunderbolts’ Hits $35M Weekend, ‘Sinners’ Surges to $20M

LIFESTYLE

summer birthday party ideas
Creative Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Kids in 2025
May 6 Zodiac
May 6 Zodiac: Positive Traits, Compatibility and More about Taurus
self storage solutions for life transitions
How Self Storage Can Help During Major Life Changes (Divorce, Moving, etc.)?
why is my poinsettia dying
Why Is My Poinsettia Dying? Tips To Revive Your Wilting Poinsettia Plant
crypto retirement plan strategies
7 Ways Crypto Can Reshape Your Retirement Plan for the Future

Entertainment

Tish Cyrus Miley Cyrus Feud
Tish Cyrus Clears the Air on Miley Cyrus Feud Rumors
taylor swift praises dublin stadium staff mid song
Taylor Swift Subpoenaed in Blake Lively–Baldoni Film Lawsuit
Thunderbolts Hits $35M Weekend
‘Thunderbolts’ Hits $35M Weekend, ‘Sinners’ Surges to $20M
andy cohen net worth
Andy Cohen Net Worth: Find Out How He Became a Multi-Millionaire in 2025
rihanna hinted pregnancy before met gala
Rihanna Hinted at Pregnancy Before Met Gala, Says Anna Wintour

GAMING

Best Mobile Horror Games
The Best Mobile Horror Games That Will Keep You Up at Night
Evolution of Video Game Graphics
The Evolution of Video Game Graphics: 1980s to 2025
Best Workouts Inspired by Video Games
Level Up Your Fitness: Best Video Game-Inspired Workouts
rocket league unblocked
Rocket League Unblocked: Soccer And Vehicular Mayhem Online Game
Maksym Krippa GSC Game World
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Reimagined: How Maksym Krippa’s Entry Reshaped GSC Game World in 2023

BUSINESS

Business Behind Game Localization
The Business Behind Game Localization: How It Works
International Employment Agencies
How international employment agencies can help you find talent in hard-to-reach markets?
Transition Your Business to Web3
How to Transition Your Business to Web3 Successfully
How to Calculate Quarterly Tax Payments
How to Calculate Quarterly Tax Payments in 5 Easy Steps
credit suisse tax evasion
Credit Suisse Fined $511M for U.S. Offshore Tax Evasion Scheme

TECHNOLOGY

bill gates accuses elon musk of harming poor children
Bill Gates Blames Elon Musk for Harming World's Poorest Children
interactive videos with AI voice
Guide for Making Interactive Videos with AI Voice
Maksym Krippa GSC Game World
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Reimagined: How Maksym Krippa’s Entry Reshaped GSC Game World in 2023
Strengthening Cybersecurity with Security Operations
Strengthening Cybersecurity with Security Operations, CWPP, and Product Security
pitch a game idea
How to Pitch a Game Idea to a Developer or Publisher?

HEALTH

Yimusanfendi
7 Incredible Benefits of Yimusanfendi Meditation and Possible Side Effects
Connection Between Hydration and Urinary Health
The Connection Between Hydration and Urinary Health
Neuralink Brain Implant Patient Regains Speech
Neuralink Brain Implant Helps ALS Patient Regain Speech with AI Support
Wegovy for Weight Loss
Wegovy for Weight Loss: Is It Worth Buying Online?
Role of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in IVF
The Role of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in IVF with ICSI Success