Slovenia is experiencing low birth rates and longer life expectancy, which is why the population of the Alpine country is likely to drop by 284,000 while the share of the elderly will rise by 2100, according to projections presented by the EU statistical office, Eurostat.

The Slovenian news agency STA reported on Wednesday that “the EU’s statistics office Eurostat has projected that Slovenia will have a population of below 1.8 million in 2100, which is a 13% drop compared to 2018.”

“Almost a third of the population in Slovenia is projected to be aged 65 or older at the end of the century.”

The Slovenian statistical office has said that in 2018, those in the age cohort above 65 accounted for 19.4% of Slovenia’s population, however, their share will rise to 30% by 2100.

Furthermore, the share of children aged below 15 is likely to be a mere 13.9% in 2100.