Poland
Republic of Poland
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.22%
With a population of roughly 37.4 million, Poland ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 312,679 km², translating to a density of 120 people per km². Its capital is Warsaw, and Polish is the official language, while the Polish złoty serves as the national currency.
Population
37,392,000
Area
312,679 km²
Density
120/km²
World Rank
#39
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Deaths (11.1 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (7.4 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 20.1% aged 65 or above and 14.8% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Warsaw
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Central Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Polish
- Currencies
- Polish złoty (zł)
- Calling Code
- +48
- Top-Level Domain
- .pl
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 37,392,000
- Land Area
- 312,679 km²
- Population Density
- 120 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.22%
- Annual Growth
- -82,262 people
- Daily Growth
- -225 people
- World Population Share
- 0.46%
- Coordinates
- 52.00°, 20.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $25.1k, Poland sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 3%—well below the world average. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 28.5.
Life Expectancy
78.5 years
GDP per Capita
$25,104
Birth Rate
7.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
11.1 per 1,000
Urban Population
60.0%
Fertility Rate
1.16 births/woman
Infant Mortality
3.7 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.0%
Literacy Rate
98.7%
Internet Users
88.6%
Under 15
14.8%
Over 65
20.1%
Health Spending
8.1% GDP
Gini Index
28.5
Age Distribution
0-14 years
5.5M
15-64 years
24.3M
65+ years
7.5M
Urbanization
About 60% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Warsaw, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 330820.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
22.4M
60.0%
15.0M
40.0%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 78.5 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 3.7 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. The literacy rate of 98.7% 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 Poland
Poland has 47 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Poland's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. With 20.1% of the population already over 65, the aging challenge is likely to deepen in the decades ahead. As a United Nations member state, Poland participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 37,392,000 |
| 2030 | 37,066,198 |
| 2035 | 36,667,287 |
| 2040 | 36,276,823 |
| 2045 | 35,894,046 |
| 2050 | 35,518,307 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Poland.
Largest Cities in Poland
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Poland by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Poland?
The population of Poland is approximately 37.4 million as of 2026, making it #39 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Poland?
The capital of Poland is Warsaw.
What languages are spoken in Poland?
The main languages spoken in Poland are Polish.
How big is Poland?
Poland covers an area of 312,679 km² with a population density of 120 people per km².
Is Poland growing or shrinking?
Poland's population is declining at a rate of -0.22% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Poland?
The average life expectancy in Poland is 78.5 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Poland?
The GDP per capita of Poland is $25,104.