This study evaluated the influence of human capital on economic growth in the Republic of North
Macedonia from 2000 to 2024. The analysis was grounded in secondary data from global and
national statistical institutions, focusing on variables such as life expectancy, under-five mortality
rate, educational attainment, and employment. The research employed descriptive statistics,
correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression using a log-log model to assess the elasticity
between human capital and GDP per capita. Findings showed that longer life expectancy and
higher average years of schooling were significantly and positively associated with GDP growth,
while higher child mortality had a negative effect. The strongest predictor among the variables
was life expectancy, with a 1% improvement correlating with a 31% rise in GDP per capita. These
results were consistent even when extending the dataset to include years impacted by COVID-19
and post-pandemic recovery. The study confirmed that targeted investment in human capital,
particularly in health and education, plays a vital role in fostering sustainable economic
development in transition economies. The conclusions support policy reforms that prioritize
inclusive and long-term human capital strategies for economic resilience.
Keywords: Human capital, Economic growth, Transition economy, Life expectancy, Education, GDP