New Caledonia Population
East Asia & Pacific · 178th most populous · High income
Population right now (estimate)
298,661
The population of New Caledonia is about 298,661 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 298 thousand for 2026 as a whole — 0.00% of the world's people.
New Caledonia is ranked 178th of 217 by population. The population is still growing, by about 0.87% a year. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 341 thousand. That is 3.7 times its 1960 population of 80 thousand. Population density is 16 people per square kilometre. 68% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
298 thousand
Yearly change
+0.87%
World rank
178th
Share of world
0.00%
Density
16/km²
Land area
18,576 km²
Life expectancy
78.9 yrs
Births per woman
1.96
GDP per capita
$29,213
GDP
$8.5B
Population of New Caledonia, 1960–2050
New Caledonia population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 79,819 | — | 4 |
| 1970 | 109,338 | +4.28% | 6 |
| 1980 | 149,817 | +1.14% | 8 |
| 1990 | 176,456 | +2.57% | 9 |
| 2000 | 223,098 | +2.09% | 12 |
| 2010 | 261,582 | +1.68% | 14 |
| 2020 | 284,176 | +0.20% | 15 |
| 2024 | 292,639 | +0.96% | 16 |
| 2026proj. | 297,892 | +0.87% | 16 |
| 2030proj. | 307,577 | +0.76% | 17 |
| 2040proj. | 327,500 | +0.51% | 18 |
| 2050proj. | 340,580 | +0.28% | 18 |
New Caledonia vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 597 times as many people as New Caledonia. Bangladesh is 85.2 times more densely populated.
New Caledonia population: questions and answers
What is the population of New Caledonia in 2026?
About 297,892 (298 thousand), based on World Bank projections.
Is New Caledonia's population growing?
Yes, by about 0.87% a year (2026).
What is the population density of New Caledonia?
About 16 people per km², with a land area of 18,576 km².
What will the population of New Caledonia be in 2050?
About 341 thousand on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of New Caledonia?
Nouméa.
What is the life expectancy in New Caledonia?
78.9 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.