At the other end of the demographic spectrum from Niger and Mali are the oldest countries by median age — a group led overwhelmingly by East Asia and Southern and Eastern Europe.
Countries with the Oldest Populations
- Japan — long the world’s oldest large country by median age, now approaching the high 40s
- Italy — the oldest population in the European Union
- Germany — one of the oldest populations in Europe, driven by decades of low birth rates
- South Korea — aging faster than almost any other country, following one of the world’s lowest fertility rates
- Portugal, Greece, and Bulgaria — all rank among the oldest populations in Europe
- Monaco — a wealthy microstate with an unusually old resident population
See how age-adjacent statistics like population and growth trends stack up on our Rankings page.
Why These Countries Are Aging So Fast
Aging populations are the direct result of the same forces behind the countries with declining populations: sustained low birth rates combined with long life expectancy. Japan’s case is especially well documented — decades of a fertility rate well below replacement level, combined with some of the highest life expectancy in the world, have pushed its median age higher than almost anywhere else.
The Economic Challenge of an Aging Population
An older population means a shrinking workforce supporting a growing number of retirees, rising pension and healthcare costs, and, in many cases, active government policy to encourage higher birth rates or attract working-age immigrants. Japan, South Korea, and several European governments have all introduced financial incentives for families in an effort to slow the trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest country in the world by median age?
Japan and Monaco are consistently ranked among the oldest countries in the world by median age.
Why is Japan’s population so old?
Decades of low birth rates combined with very high life expectancy have steadily pushed up Japan’s median age, making it one of the earliest and most closely studied examples of national aging.
Which large economy is aging the fastest right now?
South Korea currently has one of the fastest-aging populations among major economies, driven by one of the lowest birth rates recorded anywhere.
Compare population and demographic trends for any country with our Compare tool.
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