Norway Population
Europe & Central Asia · 120th most populous · High income
Population right now (estimate)
5,634,348
The population of Norway is about 5,634,348 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 5.6 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.07% of the world's people.
Norway is ranked 120th of 217 by population. Growth has nearly stopped: the population changes by only 0.32% a year. Projections show it peaking around 2049 at about 5.8 million, then declining. Since 1960 (3.6 million) it has grown by 57%. Population density is 15 people per square kilometre. 84% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
5.6 million
Yearly change
+0.32%
World rank
120th
Share of world
0.07%
Density
15/km²
Land area
364,270 km²
Life expectancy
83.2 yrs
Births per woman
1.45
GDP per capita
$94,594
GDP
$530.8B
Population of Norway, 1960–2050
Norway population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 3,581,239 | — | 10 |
| 1970 | 3,875,763 | +0.73% | 11 |
| 1980 | 4,085,620 | +0.32% | 11 |
| 1990 | 4,241,473 | +0.34% | 12 |
| 2000 | 4,490,967 | +0.65% | 12 |
| 2010 | 4,889,252 | +1.25% | 13 |
| 2020 | 5,379,475 | +0.59% | 15 |
| 2024 | 5,572,279 | +0.95% | 15 |
| 2026proj. | 5,628,960 | +0.32% | 15 |
| 2030proj. | 5,690,881 | +0.25% | 16 |
| 2040proj. | 5,797,872 | +0.14% | 16 |
| 2050proj. | 5,836,990 | −0.01% | 16 |
Norway vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 31.6 times as many people as Norway. Bangladesh is 88.4 times more densely populated.
Norway population: questions and answers
What is the population of Norway in 2026?
About 5,628,960 (5.6 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Norway's population growing?
Yes, by about 0.32% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Norway?
About 15 people per km², with a land area of 364,270 km².
What will the population of Norway be in 2050?
About 5.8 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Norway?
Oslo.
What is the life expectancy in Norway?
83.2 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.