Rank #137 by World Population
🇳🇿New Zealand
New Zealand has a population of 5,200,000, ranking #137 in the world. The capital is Wellington. Located in East Asia & Pacific.
World Bank: High income
5,200,000
Population
#137
World Rank
81.8
Life Expectancy
$49,076
GDP Per Capita
New Zealand, #137 by world population
New Zealand Population History (1960-2024)
The country of New Zealand had a population of 2,371,800 in 1960 and 5,287,500 in 2024, a 2.2× growth over 64 years. The peak was 5,287,500 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.26%.
5,287,500
Population (2024)
2,371,800
Population (1960)
5,287,500
Peak (2024)
1.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 2,371,800 |
| 1961 | 2,419,700 |
| 1962 | 2,482,000 |
| 1963 | 2,531,800 |
| 1964 | 2,585,400 |
| 1965 | 2,628,400 |
| 1966 | 2,675,900 |
| 1967 | 2,724,100 |
| 1968 | 2,748,100 |
| 1969 | 2,772,800 |
| 1970 | 2,810,700 |
| 1971 | 2,853,000 |
| 1972 | 2,903,900 |
| 1973 | 2,961,300 |
| 1974 | 3,023,700 |
| 1975 | 3,083,100 |
| 1976 | 3,110,500 |
| 1977 | 3,120,200 |
| 1978 | 3,121,200 |
| 1979 | 3,109,000 |
| 1980 | 3,112,900 |
| 1981 | 3,124,900 |
| 1982 | 3,156,100 |
| 1983 | 3,199,300 |
| 1984 | 3,227,100 |
| 1985 | 3,247,100 |
| 1986 | 3,246,300 |
| 1987 | 3,274,400 |
| 1988 | 3,283,400 |
| 1989 | 3,299,200 |
| 1990 | 3,329,800 |
| 1991 | 3,495,100 |
| 1992 | 3,531,700 |
| 1993 | 3,572,200 |
| 1994 | 3,620,000 |
| 1995 | 3,673,400 |
| 1996 | 3,732,000 |
| 1997 | 3,781,300 |
| 1998 | 3,815,000 |
| 1999 | 3,835,100 |
| 2000 | 3,857,700 |
| 2001 | 3,880,500 |
| 2002 | 3,948,500 |
| 2003 | 4,027,200 |
| 2004 | 4,087,500 |
| 2005 | 4,133,900 |
| 2006 | 4,184,600 |
| 2007 | 4,223,800 |
| 2008 | 4,259,800 |
| 2009 | 4,302,600 |
| 2010 | 4,350,700 |
| 2011 | 4,384,000 |
| 2012 | 4,408,100 |
| 2013 | 4,442,100 |
| 2014 | 4,516,500 |
| 2015 | 4,609,400 |
| 2016 | 4,714,100 |
| 2017 | 4,813,600 |
| 2018 | 4,900,600 |
| 2019 | 4,970,300 |
| 2020 | 5,072,400 |
| 2021 | 5,084,600 |
| 2022 | 5,081,700 |
| 2023 | 5,200,000 |
| 2024 | 5,287,500 |
Demographics
| Population | 5,200,000 |
| Population Growth Rate | 2.30% |
| Urban Population | 83.9% |
| Fertility Rate | 1.57 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 81.8 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 4.1 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
$49,076
GDP Per Capita
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
High income
Income Level
50.4%
Trade (% of GDP)
996,000
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
10.1%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
3.61
Physicians per 1,000
5.2%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
4.1
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
100.0%
Electricity Access
93.1%
Internet Users
114
Mobile Subs per 100
19.7
People per km2
21,404
Net Migration
Environment
37.8%
Forest Area
New Zealand Climate
New Zealand has an average annual temperature of 12.8°C (55°F) and receives about 1257 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is January and the coldest is July. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.8°C
Avg Temp
1257
Precip (mm/yr)
Jan
Hottest Month
Jul
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 17° / 63° | 80 mm |
| February | 17° / 63° | 55 mm |
| March | 16° / 61° | 99 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 104 mm |
| May | 11° / 52° | 128 mm |
| June | 9° / 49° | 131 mm |
| July | 9° / 47° | 141 mm |
| August | 9° / 48° | 135 mm |
| September | 11° / 51° | 104 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 96 mm |
| November | 14° / 57° | 90 mm |
| December | 16° / 60° | 94 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 Zealand
The most comfortable months to visit New Zealand are typically February, January and March, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is January (around 21°C high). The coldest is July (near 5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wellington
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Other Countries in East Asia & Pacific
New Zealand in global context
New Zealand 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 Zealand has a population of 5,200,000, ranking #137 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 2.30%.
Life expectancy in New Zealand is 81.8 years. The infant mortality rate is 4.1 per 1,000 live births.
New Zealand's GDP per capita is $49,076. It is classified as a high income country by the World Bank.
83.9% of New Zealand's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 19.7 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for New Zealand is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit New Zealand are typically February, January and March, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
New Zealand has an average annual temperature of 12.8°C and about 1257 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically January 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.
With 5,200,000 residents, New Zealand is a country in East Asia & Pacific. The population is expanding fast — roughly 2.3% annually.
Economically, New Zealand is high-income — GDP per capita is roughly $49,076. Life expectancy is high at 81.8 years, with a fertility rate of 1.6 births per woman, and 83.9% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.