Europe is home to approximately 745 million people in 2024. The top three most populated countries are Russia, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Despite the benefits of a large population, each country also faces several demographic challenges. Let’s move forward and discover the top 10 most populated countries in Europe, and explore their current population figures, population growth rate, and demographic challenges.

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Top 10 Most Populated Countries in Europe

• Russia
• Germany 
• United Kingdom
• France 
• Italy
• Spain
• Poland 
• Ukraine
• Romania
• Netherlands 

1- Russia

Russia is the most populated country in Europe. In 2024, Russia’s population is estimated to be approximately 144 million. The population of the nation peaked in the early 1990s at about 148 million, but there is also a trend of population decline. 

Russia faces significant demographic challenges. The fertility rate is notably low and it contributes to an aging population, with about 15% of Russians being over 65 years old. According to the experts, this figure could rise to 23% by 2050.

Migration plays a crucial role in mitigating these population declines. Russia has seen a net influx of migrants, primarily from Central Asia. In recent years, over 200,000 migrants have entered the country annually, helping to offset natural population losses. However, geopolitical tensions and economic conditions in neighboring countries may affect future migration trends.

Regional disparities also complicate Russia’s demographic landscape. Urban areas, particularly Moscow, tend to attract more migrants and have higher birth rates compared to rural regions, which often face depopulation. 

2- Germany 

Germany is the second most populated country in Europe. In 2024, Germany’s population is projected to be around 83.25 million. The country observed a slight decline of 0.05% from the previous year. In fact, Germany has faced a birth deficit since 1972, with fertility rates remaining low at about 1.53 births per woman.

Migration has played a vital role in shaping Germany’s demographic landscape. In recent years, the country has seen significant net immigration, particularly due to geopolitical events. In 2022, for instance, 1.46 million people immigrated, largely driven by the influx of refugees from Ukraine. 

Despite these numbers, Germany faces pressing demographic challenges. The population is aging rapidly, with a growing proportion of elderly citizens. The shift poses a risk to the economy, as fewer workers will be available to support a larger retired population.

On the other hand, regional disparities also complicate the situation. Urban areas like Berlin and Munich attract migrants and have higher birth rates, while rural regions struggle with depopulation. 

3- United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is the third most populated country in Europe. In 2024, the population of the United Kingdom is estimated to be approximately 69 million. The numbers reflect a 0.33% increase from the previous year. 

Migration plays a significant role in the UK’s population changes. Over the past two decades, it has accounted for a substantial portion of population growth. In fact, more than 60% of the increase from 2004 to 2022 was due to net migration. 

In 2023, net migration reached around 685,000, driven primarily by non-EU citizens seeking work and study opportunities. However, projections suggest that net migration may decline in 2024 due to new visa policies aimed at reducing immigration levels.

4- France

France is the fourth most populated country in Europe. In 2024, France’s population is approximately 66 million, which reflects a modest 0.19% increase from the previous year. The growth trend is primarily influenced by migration and relatively stable birth rates.

The country has maintained high levels of net migration, which significantly contributes to population growth. In 2023, France experienced a net migration of around 180,000 from various countries. The combination of immigration and a slightly higher fertility rate compared to other European nations has allowed France to avoid severe population declines. 

However, France faces several demographic challenges. One major issue is the aging population. As life expectancy continues to rise, the proportion of older adults is increasing. By 2024, about 10% of the population is expected to be aged 75 and older. 

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5- Italy

Italy is the fifth most populated country in Europe. In 2024, Italy’s population is estimated to be around 58.7 million. The numbers reflect a 0.29% decline from the previous year. The trend of population decrease has been consistent, with Italy experiencing a decline for several years. 

Italy has one of the lowest fertility rates in Europe which contributes to a shrinking population, as the number of deaths continues to exceed births. In 2023, Italy recorded a natural decrease of approximately 64,000 people.

In the future, migration will play an important role in Italy’s population dynamics. In 2024, the foreign population in Italy is estimated at 5.1 million. Many migrants come from North Africa and Eastern Europe. While migration helps to offset some of the population decline, it does not fully compensate for the natural decrease.

The aging population in Italy is particularly concerning, with about 23% of the population projected to be over 65 by 2024. The shift puts pressure on healthcare and pension systems, as fewer workers are available to support a growing number of retirees.

6- Spain

Spain is the sixth most populated country in Europe. In 2024, Spain’s population is estimated to be around 47.47 million. These numbers reflect a 0.1% decline from the previous year. The decrease continues a trend of slow population decline that has persisted since 2011.

In 2024, net migration is estimated at around 111,000, which helps to offset some of the decline in the natural population. Spain has become a destination for migrants from Latin America, North Africa, and other parts of Europe. These newcomers contribute to the labor market and cultural diversity. However, it is not enough to counterbalance the declining birth rates.

Regional disparities further complicate the demographic landscape. Rural areas frequently face depopulation, whereas cities like Madrid and Barcelona attract migrants and sustain higher birth rates. 

7- Poland

Poland is the seventh most populated country in Europe. In 2024, Poland’s population is projected to be approximately 39 million, representing a 1.96% decline from the previous year. In 2023, Poland experienced a net migration loss of approximately 14,000. 

While the country has seen thousands of migrants, particularly from Ukraine and other neighboring countries, many skilled workers continue to leave for better opportunities in Western Europe. The outflow of talent can restrict economic growth and innovation.

Poland faces several demographic challenges. The aging population is a significant concern, with about 19% of the population projected to be over 65 by 2024. On the other hand, regional disparities also complicate the demographic landscape.

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8- Ukraine

Ukraine is the eighth most populated country in Europe. In 2024, Ukraine’s population is estimated to be around 38 million. The ongoing war with Russia has led to substantial population changes in Ukraine. 

Many Ukrainians have fled the country, seeking safety and stability elsewhere. As a result, Ukraine experienced a net migration loss of nearly 1.15 million people in 2022 alone. However, recent trends show some population increase. Today, the tension and instability remain, with many individuals still uncertain about their future.

The war has worsened existing demographic challenges. The healthcare system has been strained, and many young people are hesitant to start families amid uncertainty. On the other hand, the economic impact of the conflict has led to high unemployment rates and decreased living standards. 

9- Romania

Romania is the ninth most populated country in Europe. In 2024, Romania’s population is estimated to be around 19 million, reflecting a 0.54% decline from the previous year. This downward trend has been ongoing for decades, with Romania’s population peaking in 1990 at 24.49 million. 

This low birth rate, coupled with a median age of 42.9 years, indicates an aging population that will require more resources to support a growing number of retirees. On the other hand, between 2007 and 2015, about 3.5 million Romanians left the country in search of better opportunities.

This “brain drain” has had a detrimental effect on Romania’s economy, as many of those leaving are highly educated individuals. In 2024, Romania is expected to experience a net migration loss of approximately 28,466 people. Romania faces several demographic challenges that threaten its future stability. The aging population is a significant concern. 

10- Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the most populated countries in Europe. In 2024, the Netherlands is projected to have a population of approximately 17.97 million. The country has observed an increase from the previous year. In 2024, net migration is expected to contribute around 27,000 people to the country’s population growth. 

The Netherlands faces several demographic challenges, including an aging population and regional disparities. By 2024, a substantial portion of the Dutch population will be over 65. 

To address these challenges, the Dutch government has established a State Commission on Demographic Development. The Commission advises a moderate population growth strategy, recognizing that both rapid expansion and decline are unsustainable.

Ranking	Country	Population
1	Russia	144 million
2	Germany	83.25 million
3	United Kingdom	69 million
4	France	66 million
5	Italy	58.7 million
6	Spain	47.47 million
7	Poland	39 million
8	Ukraine	38 million
9	Romania	19 million
10	Netherlands	17.97 million

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Conclusion

The most populated countries in Europe play a significant role in shaping the continent’s social, economic, and political landscape. These nations have large urban centers, diverse cultures, and strong economies that contribute to their regional and global influence. Their populations support strong labor markets and dynamic industries, making them top players in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and finance. Despite their population sizes, they also face different challenges.

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