Netherlands Population
Europe & Central Asia · 71st most populous · High income
Population right now (estimate)
18,197,256
The population of Netherlands is about 18,197,256 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 18.2 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.22% of the world's people.
Netherlands is ranked 71st of 217 by population. Growth has nearly stopped: the population changes by only 0.48% a year. Projections show it peaking around 2041 at about 18.7 million, then declining. Since 1960 (11.5 million) it has grown by 58%. Population density is 540 people per square kilometre. 96% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
18.2 million
Yearly change
+0.48%
World rank
71st
Share of world
0.22%
Density
540/km²
Land area
33,670 km²
Life expectancy
82.0 yrs
Births per woman
1.43
GDP per capita
$73,684
GDP
$1.33T
Population of Netherlands, 1960–2050
Netherlands population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 11,486,631 | — | 341 |
| 1970 | 13,038,526 | +1.25% | 387 |
| 1980 | 14,149,800 | +0.79% | 420 |
| 1990 | 14,951,510 | +0.69% | 444 |
| 2000 | 15,925,513 | +0.72% | 473 |
| 2010 | 16,615,394 | +0.51% | 493 |
| 2020 | 17,441,500 | +0.56% | 518 |
| 2024 | 17,993,485 | +0.65% | 534 |
| 2026proj. | 18,174,068 | +0.48% | 540 |
| 2030proj. | 18,425,076 | +0.27% | 547 |
| 2040proj. | 18,668,656 | +0.03% | 554 |
| 2050proj. | 18,540,404 | −0.12% | 551 |
Netherlands vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 9.8 times as many people as Netherlands. Bangladesh is 2.5 times more densely populated.
Netherlands population: questions and answers
What is the population of Netherlands in 2026?
About 18,174,068 (18.2 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Netherlands's population growing?
Yes, by about 0.48% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Netherlands?
About 540 people per km², with a land area of 33,670 km².
What will the population of Netherlands be in 2050?
About 18.5 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Netherlands?
Amsterdam and The Hague.
What is the life expectancy in Netherlands?
82.0 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.