Papua New Guinea
Independent State of Papua New Guinea
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +1.93%
Papua New Guinea is a Melanesia country of around 11.8 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 462,840 km², translating to a density of 25 people per km². Its capital is Port Moresby, and official languages include English, Hiri Motu, and Tok Pisin, while the Papua New Guinean kina serves as the national currency.
Population
11,781,559
Area
462,840 km²
Density
25/km²
World Rank
#83
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. Births occur at 24.6 per thousand against deaths at 6.5 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 33.5% of residents under 15 and 3.5% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Port Moresby
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Melanesia
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin
- Currencies
- Papua New Guinean kina (K)
- Calling Code
- +675
- Top-Level Domain
- .pg
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+10:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 11,781,559
- Land Area
- 462,840 km²
- Population Density
- 25 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +1.93%
- Annual Growth
- +227,384 people
- Daily Growth
- +623 people
- World Population Share
- 0.15%
- Coordinates
- -6.00°, 147.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $3k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2.6%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 41.9 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
66.1 years
GDP per Capita
$3,007
Birth Rate
24.6 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.5 per 1,000
Urban Population
15.4%
Fertility Rate
3.10 births/woman
Infant Mortality
32.0 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.6%
Literacy Rate
87.1%
Internet Users
24.1%
Under 15
33.5%
Over 65
3.5%
Health Spending
2.9% GDP
Gini Index
41.9
Age Distribution
0-14 years
3.9M
15-64 years
7.4M
65+ years
408K
Urbanization
Only 15.4% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. The capital, Port Moresby, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 284.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
1.8M
15.4%
10.0M
84.6%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 66.1 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 32.0 per thousand live births, somewhat lower than the global average. The literacy rate of 87.1% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Papua New Guinea is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Papua New Guinea participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 11,781,559 |
| 2030 | 12,676,766 |
| 2035 | 13,800,956 |
| 2040 | 14,929,733 |
| 2045 | 16,062,898 |
| 2050 | 17,201,154 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Papua New Guinea.
Largest Cities in Papua New Guinea
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Papua New Guinea by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Papua New Guinea?
The population of Papua New Guinea is approximately 11.8 million as of 2026, making it #83 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Papua New Guinea?
The capital of Papua New Guinea is Port Moresby.
What languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea?
The main languages spoken in Papua New Guinea are English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin.
How big is Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea covers an area of 462,840 km² with a population density of 25 people per km².
Is Papua New Guinea growing or shrinking?
Papua New Guinea is growing at a rate of 1.93% per year, adding approximately 227,384 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Papua New Guinea?
The average life expectancy in Papua New Guinea is 66.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Papua New Guinea?
The GDP per capita of Papua New Guinea is $3,007.