Birth rate plummets in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 72 schools closed in five years

(Patria) - Demographers are once again warning that depopulation is one of the most pressing problems facing BiH, and they predict a further decline in the population.

According to projections by the UN Population Fund, BiH could have only 1.5 million inhabitants by 2070.

However, demographers warn that the situation could be even worse. Reduced birth rates and mass migrations are rapidly depleting the country's demographic resources.

Data from the FBiH Statistics Office show that the number of newborns continues to fall, although better results were recorded in some cantons at the end of 2023.

Demographic problems are becoming increasingly serious, as confirmed by an analysis of the situation in education. Data for the last five years show a decrease in the number of children in primary and secondary schools, although the number of children in preschool institutions is increasing.

Unlike primary and secondary education, preschool institutions recorded an increase of 69.3% in the number of children in the 2023/24 school year, with the largest increase recorded in the Brčko District (116.7%).

However, the number of primary schools has decreased by 72, and the number of primary school students has fallen by 6.5% in the last five years.

The trend of declining student numbers continues in secondary schools, where the number of students has decreased by 4.5%. A decrease in the number of university students is also evident, with a drop of 9.5%, the largest decline being recorded in the FBiH (10.5%).