The Republic of Moldova lost 28,656 residents in one year, according to official data published by the National Bureau of Statistics of Moldova. The population with usual residence decreased from 2,415,549 on January 1, 2024 to 2,386,893 on January 1, 2025.
The decline affected both men and women. The number of men fell from 1,142,281 to 1,123,803, a decrease of 18,478. The number of women dropped from 1,273,268 to 1,263,090, a decrease of 10,178. Women continue to form the majority, representing more than 52 percent of the total population.
Both urban and rural areas lost residents. Urban population decreased from 1,053,123 to 1,041,219, a drop of 11,904. Rural population declined from 1,362,426 to 1,345,674, a decrease of 16,752.
The municipality of Chisinau remains the most populated area, with more than 700,000 residents, accounting for nearly one third of the country’s population. The municipality of Balti ranks second, with over 90,000 inhabitants. Among the most populated districts are Orhei District with 99,867 residents, Hincesti District with 97,733 residents, and Cahul District with 67,563 residents.
Authorities calculated the data based on the 2024 Population and Housing Census and adjust them annually according to births, deaths, and migration. The National Bureau of Statistics will publish updated preliminary data for January 1, 2026 in June this year.