The chart illustrates a significant decline in Ukraine's population over the past three decades. In 1990, the population stood at approximately 51.8 million, but by 2023, it had dropped to around 37 million, representing a substantial loss of nearly 15 million people.
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, followed by economic instability and political transition, initiated a gradual population decline. By 1993, Ukraine reached its population peak of 52.1 million, but by the late 1990s, this number had decreased to 49.1 million due to a combination of low birth rates, high mortality rates, and increased emigration as people sought better opportunities abroad.
The trend worsened in recent years, particularly after the onset of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict in 2014, which led to mass displacement and emigration. Economic challenges and conflict further accelerated the population decline, with a dramatic drop observed between 2021 and 2023, where the population fell sharply from 43.8 million to 37 million. This highlights the profound impact of the war and migration on Ukraine's demographic landscape.
Gain a broader perspective by reviewing Ukraine’s working-age population share, Ukraine’s population density, Ukraine’s population growth.
