Ukraine has a population of approximately 37 million people as of 2025, making it the 38th most populous country in the world. That figure represents a dramatic fall from the roughly 52 million people who lived in Ukraine in the early 1990s, the result of decades of low birth rates, heavy emigration, and the displacement caused by the Russian full-scale invasion that began in 2022.
How Many People Live in Ukraine?
The most commonly cited estimate for Ukraine's population in 2025 is around 37 million, though precise counting has become extremely difficult. Ukraine has not held a census since 2001, and the upheaval of war means that millions of citizens are now living abroad as refugees or are internally displaced. As a result, estimates from different organizations vary by several million depending on whether they count refugees who have left the country.
To put the number in perspective, Ukraine sits just behind countries like Poland and Canada in population terms, and ahead of nations such as Morocco and Uzbekistan. With a land area larger than any other country lying entirely within Europe, Ukraine has a relatively modest population density of roughly 60 people per square kilometre — much lower than its western neighbours.
A Shrinking Population
Ukraine is experiencing one of the steepest population declines of any nation in the modern era. The population is currently falling at an annual rate of about 1 percent. Since its peak of roughly 52 million in 1993, the country has lost close to 15 million residents — a contraction of nearly 29 percent.
This decline was well underway before 2022. Like much of Eastern Europe, Ukraine struggled with birth rates far below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, alongside high rates of emigration as workers sought opportunities in the European Union. The war then accelerated the trend catastrophically: around 8 million Ukrainians fled abroad, while several million more were displaced inside the country. Many of those refugees are educated young women and children, and demographers warn that a large share may never return. Some projections suggest the population could fall below 25 million by 2050 if current conditions persist.
The Largest Cities
Ukraine's population has long been concentrated in its major urban centres, which drive the country's economy and culture.
- Kyiv — The capital and largest city, home to roughly 3 million residents before the invasion. With a history stretching back more than 1,500 years, it is the political, financial, and cultural heart of the nation.
- Kharkiv — The second-largest city, with around 1.4 million pre-war residents. Located close to the Russian border, it is a major hub for universities and heavy industry.
- Odesa — Ukraine's principal Black Sea port, home to about 1 million people and famous for its cosmopolitan history, distinctive architecture, and literary tradition.
Other significant cities include Dnipro and Lviv, the latter serving as a cultural anchor of western Ukraine and a destination for many internally displaced people during the war.
Ethnicity, Language, and Religion
Ethnic Ukrainians make up roughly 78 percent of the population, while ethnic Russians account for about 17 percent, historically concentrated in the eastern and southern regions. Smaller communities include Belarusians, Moldovans, Crimean Tatars, and Hungarians.
Ukrainian is the sole official language, though Russian remains widely spoken, particularly in the east and among older generations. Since 2014, and especially since 2022, there has been a marked shift toward greater everyday use of Ukrainian as an expression of national identity. The dominant religion is Orthodox Christianity, with the majority of believers split between Ukrainian Orthodox churches, alongside notable Greek Catholic, Roman Catholic, and Protestant minorities. The country's median age is around 41 years, relatively high by global standards, and the demographic balance has been further skewed by the war's heavy toll on young men. You can learn much more in our ukraine country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ukraine in 2025?
Ukraine's population is estimated at approximately 37 million in 2025, though exact figures are uncertain because the last full census was held in 2001 and millions of people have been displaced by the war.
Why is Ukraine's population declining?
The decline stems from a combination of low birth rates, long-running emigration, high male mortality, and the massive displacement caused by the Russian invasion. Roughly 8 million Ukrainians have fled abroad since 2022, many of whom may not return.
What is the largest city in Ukraine?
Kyiv, the capital, is the largest city, with roughly 3 million residents before the war. It is followed by Kharkiv and Odesa.
How does Ukraine's population compare to its neighbours?
Despite being the largest country entirely within Europe by land area, Ukraine has a fairly low population density of about 60 people per square kilometre. Its total population is similar to Poland's and somewhat smaller than that of larger European nations like Germany or France.