New Zealand
New Zealand
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.68%
New Zealand is a Australia and New Zealand country of around 5.32 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 268,838 km², translating to a density of 20 people per km². Its capital is Wellington, and official languages include English, Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language, while the New Zealand dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
5,324,700
Area
268,838 km²
Density
20/km²
World Rank
#124
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 (10.9 per thousand) and death rate (7.2 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The population skews older, with 17.2% aged 65 or above and 18.1% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Wellington
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Australia and New Zealand
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
- Currencies
- New Zealand dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +64
- Top-Level Domain
- .nz
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC-11:00, UTC-10:00, UTC+12:00, UTC+12:45, UTC+13:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 5,324,700
- Land Area
- 268,838 km²
- Population Density
- 20 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.68%
- Annual Growth
- +36,208 people
- Daily Growth
- +99 people
- World Population Share
- 0.07%
- Coordinates
- -41.00°, 174.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $49.2k, New Zealand sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 5.1%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%.
Life Expectancy
83.0 years
GDP per Capita
$49,205
Birth Rate
10.9 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.2 per 1,000
Urban Population
83.9%
Fertility Rate
1.56 births/woman
Infant Mortality
4.0 per 1,000
Unemployment
5.1%
Internet Users
96.2%
Under 15
18.1%
Over 65
17.2%
Health Spending
10.1% GDP
Age Distribution
0-14 years
965K
15-64 years
3.4M
65+ years
916K
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 83.9% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. The capital, Wellington, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 17403.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
4.5M
83.9%
855,147
16.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 83.0 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 4.0 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. Health expenditure accounts for about 10.1% 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 New Zealand
New Zealand has 9 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that New Zealand 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, New Zealand participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 5,324,700 |
| 2030 | 5,472,915 |
| 2035 | 5,667,998 |
| 2040 | 5,874,032 |
| 2045 | 6,091,114 |
| 2050 | 6,319,389 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for New Zealand.
Largest Cities in New Zealand
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in New Zealand by population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of New Zealand?
The population of New Zealand is approximately 5.3 million as of 2026, making it #124 in the world by population.
What is the capital of New Zealand?
The capital of New Zealand is Wellington.
What languages are spoken in New Zealand?
The main languages spoken in New Zealand are English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language.
How big is New Zealand?
New Zealand covers an area of 268,838 km² with a population density of 20 people per km².
Is New Zealand growing or shrinking?
New Zealand is growing at a rate of 0.68% per year, adding approximately 36,208 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in New Zealand?
The average life expectancy in New Zealand is 83.0 years.
What is the GDP per capita of New Zealand?
The GDP per capita of New Zealand is $49,205.