Iceland
Iceland
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Situated in Northern Europe, Iceland has a population of approximately 391.8k—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 103,000 km², translating to a density of 4.0 people per km². Its capital is Reykjavik, and Icelandic is the official language, while the Icelandic króna serves as the national currency.
Population
391,810
Area
103,000 km²
Density
4/km²
World Rank
#179
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. The gap between the birth rate (11 per thousand) and death rate (6.6 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The population skews older, with 15.6% aged 65 or above and 17.8% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Reykjavik
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Northern Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Icelandic
- Currencies
- Icelandic króna (kr)
- Calling Code
- +354
- Top-Level Domain
- .is
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC
Population Details
- Total Population
- 391,810
- Land Area
- 103,000 km²
- Population Density
- 4 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +3,448 people
- Daily Growth
- +9 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- 65.00°, -18.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $86k, Iceland sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 3.6%, below the global average of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 26.8.
Life Expectancy
82.6 years
GDP per Capita
$86,041
Birth Rate
11.0 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.6 per 1,000
Urban Population
94.2%
Fertility Rate
1.59 births/woman
Infant Mortality
1.9 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.6%
Internet Users
99.8%
Under 15
17.8%
Over 65
15.6%
Health Spending
9.0% GDP
Gini Index
26.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
70K
15-64 years
261K
65+ years
61K
Urbanization
Iceland is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 94.2% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. Reykjavik serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Extremely low population density means that settlements are widely dispersed, raising logistical hurdles for infrastructure and public service delivery.
369,007
94.2%
22,803
5.8%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 82.6 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 1.9 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. Health expenditure accounts for about 9% of GDP, shaping the reach and quality of medical services available to the population.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Iceland
Iceland has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Iceland is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.6 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Iceland participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 391,810 |
| 2030 | 405,691 |
| 2035 | 423,537 |
| 2040 | 441,968 |
| 2045 | 461,021 |
| 2050 | 480,735 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Iceland.
Largest Cities in Iceland
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Iceland by population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Iceland?
The population of Iceland is approximately 391,810 as of 2026, making it #179 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Iceland?
The capital of Iceland is Reykjavik.
What languages are spoken in Iceland?
The main languages spoken in Iceland are Icelandic.
How big is Iceland?
Iceland covers an area of 103,000 km² with a population density of 4 people per km².
Is Iceland growing or shrinking?
Iceland is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 3,448 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Iceland?
The average life expectancy in Iceland is 82.6 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Iceland?
The GDP per capita of Iceland is $86,041.