Netherlands
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.28%
Netherlands is a Western Europe country of around 18.1 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 41,865 km², translating to a density of 432 people per km². Its capital is Amsterdam, and Dutch is the official language, while the euro serves as the national currency.
Population
18,100,436
Area
41,865 km²
Density
432/km²
World Rank
#71
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. Deaths (9.5 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (9.2 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 20.5% aged 65 or above and 15% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Amsterdam
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Western Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Dutch
- Currencies
- euro (€)
- Calling Code
- +31
- Top-Level Domain
- .nl
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 18,100,436
- Land Area
- 41,865 km²
- Population Density
- 432 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.28%
- Annual Growth
- +50,681 people
- Daily Growth
- +139 people
- World Population Share
- 0.22%
- Coordinates
- 52.50°, 5.75°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $67.5k, Netherlands sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 3.9%, below the global average of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 25.7.
Life Expectancy
81.9 years
GDP per Capita
$67,520
Birth Rate
9.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
9.5 per 1,000
Urban Population
95.6%
Fertility Rate
1.43 births/woman
Infant Mortality
3.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.9%
Internet Users
97.0%
Under 15
15.0%
Over 65
20.5%
Health Spending
10.0% GDP
Gini Index
25.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
2.7M
15-64 years
11.7M
65+ years
3.7M
Urbanization
Netherlands is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 95.6% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. The capital, Amsterdam, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 104681.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
17.3M
95.6%
789,179
4.4%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 81.9 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 3.5 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. Health expenditure accounts for about 10% 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 Netherlands
Netherlands has 25 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Netherlands is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.4 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Netherlands participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 18,100,436 |
| 2030 | 18,331,662 |
| 2035 | 18,682,115 |
| 2040 | 19,095,677 |
| 2045 | 19,568,013 |
| 2050 | 20,095,781 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Netherlands.
Largest Cities in Netherlands
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Netherlands by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Netherlands?
The population of Netherlands is approximately 18.1 million as of 2026, making it #71 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Netherlands?
The capital of Netherlands is Amsterdam.
What languages are spoken in Netherlands?
The main languages spoken in Netherlands are Dutch.
How big is Netherlands?
Netherlands covers an area of 41,865 km² with a population density of 432 people per km².
Is Netherlands growing or shrinking?
Netherlands is growing at a rate of 0.28% per year, adding approximately 50,681 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Netherlands?
The average life expectancy in Netherlands is 81.9 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Netherlands?
The GDP per capita of Netherlands is $67,520.