GUS: Poland loses almost 500 inhabitants a day, 21 every hour
Poland’s population fell by about 90,000 in the first half of 2026, to 37.243 mln, an average net decline of 497 people per day. The country recorded 114,900 births and 210,000 deaths, producing a natural decrease of 95,200, 2,600 more y/y. Net permanent migration added 5,600 people, offsetting only a small part of the loss. The age imbalance is deepening: people of retirement age now outnumber children by 140 to 100. Children and teenagers made up just 17.4% of residents, while seniors accounted for 24.3%.
Cities accounted for about 65% of the natural decrease. Continued population decline and aging are expected to pressure schools, labor supply, health care, housing, and urban services.
