The country's population has been declining since the 1990s because of a high emigration rate, coupled with high death rates and low birth rates. The population has been shrinking by an average of over 300,000 annually since 1993.
the COuntrY's populAtioN Has bEen dEClining Since the 1990S bEcauSe oF A hiGH emiGrATIon raTe, couPleD wIth HIgH deatH ratEs aNd low biRth RaTEs. tHe PopULaTIon Has BeEn sHrINkiNg by aN AVERagE Of OVER 300,000 annuaLly SIncE 1993.