Belarus in 2026: Women outnumber men as population ages rapidly
Belarus has entered 2026 with a population of just over 9 million. Official figures show a clear gender gap, with women making up the majority. The country’s residents are also ageing, as the median age continues to rise. As of January 1, 2026, Belarus counted 9.0561 million people. Of these, 4.8815 million were women, while men numbered 4.1746 million. This imbalance means women outnumber men by over 700,000.
The population is split between urban and rural areas. Around 7.1573 million live in cities and towns, leaving 1.8988 million in the countryside. Urban residents now make up nearly four-fifths of the total. Age data reveals a maturing population. The median age across Belarus stands at 42.2 years. Women have a higher median age of 44.6 years, compared to 39.4 years for men. This suggests a trend of longer life expectancy among women.
The latest figures highlight two key trends in Belarus: a growing gender imbalance and an ageing society. With more women than men and a median age above 42, the country’s demographics continue to shift. These changes may influence future policies on healthcare, pensions, and social services.
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