Rank #136 by World Population
🇳🇨New Caledonia
New Caledonia has a population of 289,870, ranking #136 in the world. The capital is Noum'ea. Located in East Asia & Pacific.
World Bank: High income
289,870
Population
#136
World Rank
78.8
Life Expectancy
$33,702
GDP Per Capita
New Caledonia, #136 by world population
New Caledonia Population History (1960-2024)
The country of New Caledonia had a population of 79,819 in 1960 and 292,639 in 2024, a 3.7× growth over 64 years. The peak was 292,639 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.06%.
292,639
Population (2024)
79,819
Population (1960)
292,639
Peak (2024)
2.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 79,819 |
| 1961 | 82,521 |
| 1962 | 85,334 |
| 1963 | 88,050 |
| 1964 | 90,602 |
| 1965 | 93,159 |
| 1966 | 95,820 |
| 1967 | 98,587 |
| 1968 | 101,441 |
| 1969 | 104,849 |
| 1970 | 109,338 |
| 1971 | 114,514 |
| 1972 | 119,931 |
| 1973 | 125,585 |
| 1974 | 131,452 |
| 1975 | 137,462 |
| 1976 | 142,091 |
| 1977 | 144,599 |
| 1978 | 146,392 |
| 1979 | 148,132 |
| 1980 | 149,817 |
| 1981 | 151,441 |
| 1982 | 153,001 |
| 1983 | 155,003 |
| 1984 | 157,583 |
| 1985 | 160,234 |
| 1986 | 162,898 |
| 1987 | 165,650 |
| 1988 | 168,502 |
| 1989 | 172,029 |
| 1990 | 176,456 |
| 1991 | 181,238 |
| 1992 | 186,072 |
| 1993 | 190,857 |
| 1994 | 195,614 |
| 1995 | 200,379 |
| 1996 | 205,034 |
| 1997 | 209,560 |
| 1998 | 214,047 |
| 1999 | 218,527 |
| 2000 | 223,098 |
| 2001 | 227,707 |
| 2002 | 232,236 |
| 2003 | 236,678 |
| 2004 | 240,852 |
| 2005 | 244,381 |
| 2006 | 247,547 |
| 2007 | 250,725 |
| 2008 | 253,825 |
| 2009 | 257,250 |
| 2010 | 261,582 |
| 2011 | 266,543 |
| 2012 | 271,633 |
| 2013 | 276,822 |
| 2014 | 281,224 |
| 2015 | 283,168 |
| 2016 | 283,423 |
| 2017 | 283,546 |
| 2018 | 283,541 |
| 2019 | 283,606 |
| 2020 | 284,176 |
| 2021 | 285,214 |
| 2022 | 287,123 |
| 2023 | 289,870 |
| 2024 | 292,639 |
Demographics
| Population | 289,870 |
| Population Growth Rate | 0.95% |
| Urban Population | 67.8% |
| Fertility Rate | 1.98 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 78.8 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | - |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
$33,702
GDP Per Capita
10.9%
Unemployment Rate
High income
Income Level
51.6%
Trade (% of GDP)
31,000
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
Development & Connectivity
100.0%
Electricity Access
91
Mobile Subs per 100
15.9
People per km2
485
Net Migration
Environment
45.8%
Forest Area
New Caledonia Climate
New Caledonia has an average annual temperature of 23.3°C (74°F) and receives about 1272 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is February and the coldest is July. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
23.3°C
Avg Temp
1272
Precip (mm/yr)
Feb
Hottest Month
Jul
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 26° / 79° | 161 mm |
| February | 26° / 79° | 176 mm |
| March | 26° / 78° | 192 mm |
| April | 24° / 76° | 104 mm |
| May | 23° / 73° | 83 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 107 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 80 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 65 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 48 mm |
| October | 23° / 73° | 59 mm |
| November | 24° / 75° | 85 mm |
| December | 25° / 78° | 112 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit New Caledonia
The most comfortable months to visit New Caledonia are typically September, August and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is February (around 30°C high). The coldest is July (near 16°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in East Asia & Pacific
New Caledonia in global context
New Caledonia is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
New Caledonia has a population of 289,870, ranking #136 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 0.95%.
Life expectancy in New Caledonia is 78.8 years.
New Caledonia's GDP per capita is $33,702. It is classified as a high income country by the World Bank.
67.8% of New Caledonia's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 15.9 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for New Caledonia is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit New Caledonia are typically September, August and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
New Caledonia has an average annual temperature of 23.3°C and about 1272 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically February and the coldest is July.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
New Caledonia is a country in East Asia & Pacific with a population of 289,870. Population growth is modest, around 1.0% a year.
Economically, New Caledonia is high-income — GDP per capita is roughly $33,702. Life expectancy is high at 78.8 years, with a fertility rate of 2.0 births per woman, and 67.8% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.