Abstract
Since 1990, Lithuania has experienced a rapid population decline from 3.7 to 2.9 million, driven by low fertility, high emigration, fluctuating life expectancy, and population ageing. However, in recent years, Lithuania has undergone significant demographic transformations that have led to stabilization and even growth in the total population. This paper explores the associations between population ageing in Lithuania and recent demographic shifts, particularly in the context of migration dynamics. The study is based on an analysis of aggregated demographic measures from 2010–2024 retrieved from Statistics Lithuania. Formal demographic methods, including period rate and dependency ratio analysis, were applied to assess shifts in age structure and migration flows. The major driver of the recent transformation in population structure has been shifting migration patterns in Lithuania. The crude net international migration rate increased from -25.2 in 2010 to +8.0 in 2024 per 1,000 population. This new migration pattern has introduced both opportunities and challenges in mitigating the effects of an ageing population. Despite recent changes, population ageing remains a significant factor shaping Lithuania’s social and economic development, with long-term consequences for workforce composition and intergenerational dynamics. However, the change in migration patterns has at least temporarily alleviated the pace of population ageing in Lithuania. The findings highlight ongoing shifts in Lithuanian demographic development, with potential implications for future social and economic trends. This project has received funding from the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT), agreement No. S-MIP-24-19.
Presenters
Daumantas StumbrysAssociate Professor, Institute of Sociology and Social Work, Vilnius University, Lithuania
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Economic and Demographic Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Migration Shift, Population Ageing, Demographic Change, Lithuania
