Rank #148 by World Population
🇵🇬Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea has a population of 10,389,635, ranking #148 in the world. The capital is Port Moresby. Located in East Asia & Pacific.
World Bank: Lower middle income
10,389,635
Population
#148
World Rank
66.1
Life Expectancy
$2,966
GDP Per Capita
Papua New Guinea, #148 by world population
Papua New Guinea Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Papua New Guinea had a population of 1,995,110 in 1960 and 10,576,502 in 2024, a 5.3× growth over 64 years. The peak was 10,576,502 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.64%.
10,576,502
Population (2024)
1,995,110
Population (1960)
10,576,502
Peak (2024)
2.64%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 1,995,110 |
| 1961 | 2,046,127 |
| 1962 | 2,093,919 |
| 1963 | 2,141,376 |
| 1964 | 2,188,325 |
| 1965 | 2,235,820 |
| 1966 | 2,285,774 |
| 1967 | 2,337,532 |
| 1968 | 2,390,803 |
| 1969 | 2,446,927 |
| 1970 | 2,505,628 |
| 1971 | 2,566,421 |
| 1972 | 2,628,432 |
| 1973 | 2,690,629 |
| 1974 | 2,752,671 |
| 1975 | 2,814,820 |
| 1976 | 2,877,327 |
| 1977 | 2,940,327 |
| 1978 | 3,003,714 |
| 1979 | 3,067,341 |
| 1980 | 3,131,512 |
| 1981 | 3,197,019 |
| 1982 | 3,264,291 |
| 1983 | 3,333,633 |
| 1984 | 3,405,198 |
| 1985 | 3,478,936 |
| 1986 | 3,554,793 |
| 1987 | 3,632,543 |
| 1988 | 3,711,880 |
| 1989 | 3,796,078 |
| 1990 | 3,896,481 |
| 1991 | 4,021,837 |
| 1992 | 4,166,699 |
| 1993 | 4,320,872 |
| 1994 | 4,480,208 |
| 1995 | 4,644,278 |
| 1996 | 4,813,361 |
| 1997 | 4,987,883 |
| 1998 | 5,166,390 |
| 1999 | 5,349,333 |
| 2000 | 5,537,064 |
| 2001 | 5,728,435 |
| 2002 | 5,924,003 |
| 2003 | 6,123,997 |
| 2004 | 6,328,041 |
| 2005 | 6,535,905 |
| 2006 | 6,747,720 |
| 2007 | 6,963,345 |
| 2008 | 7,183,002 |
| 2009 | 7,406,438 |
| 2010 | 7,633,523 |
| 2011 | 7,859,346 |
| 2012 | 8,081,390 |
| 2013 | 8,302,698 |
| 2014 | 8,523,441 |
| 2015 | 8,743,246 |
| 2016 | 8,961,718 |
| 2017 | 9,178,714 |
| 2018 | 9,394,513 |
| 2019 | 9,609,010 |
| 2020 | 9,815,746 |
| 2021 | 10,012,896 |
| 2022 | 10,203,169 |
| 2023 | 10,389,635 |
| 2024 | 10,576,502 |
Demographics
| Population | 10,389,635 |
| Population Growth Rate | 1.81% |
| Urban Population | 15.1% |
| Fertility Rate | 3.10 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 66.1 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 32.2 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
$2,966
GDP Per Capita
2.6%
Unemployment Rate
Lower middle income
Income Level
39,000
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
2.9%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
0.06
Physicians per 1,000
0.8%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
32.2
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
20.5%
Electricity Access
18.3%
Internet Users
48
Mobile Subs per 100
22.9
People per km2
-787
Net Migration
Environment
79.0%
Forest Area
Papua New Guinea Climate
Papua New Guinea has an average annual temperature of 27.1°C (81°F) and receives about 1470 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is December and the coldest is July. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
27.1°C
Avg Temp
1470
Precip (mm/yr)
Dec
Hottest Month
Jul
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28° / 82° | 216 mm |
| February | 27° / 81° | 193 mm |
| March | 27° / 81° | 260 mm |
| April | 27° / 81° | 158 mm |
| May | 27° / 81° | 124 mm |
| June | 26° / 79° | 72 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 48 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 53 mm |
| September | 27° / 80° | 51 mm |
| October | 27° / 81° | 68 mm |
| November | 28° / 82° | 82 mm |
| December | 28° / 82° | 145 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 Papua New Guinea
The most comfortable months to visit Papua New Guinea are typically July, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is December (around 33°C high). The coldest is July (near 22°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Port Moresby
Planning a trip to Port Moresby? Compare hotels and short-term rentals — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Port Moresby
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Port Moresby?
Get climate tips and the best lodging deals for Port Moresby by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Other Countries in East Asia & Pacific
Papua New Guinea in global context
Papua New Guinea 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
Papua New Guinea has a population of 10,389,635, ranking #148 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 1.81%.
Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea is 66.1 years. The infant mortality rate is 32.2 per 1,000 live births.
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is $2,966. It is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank.
15.1% of Papua New Guinea's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 22.9 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for Papua New Guinea is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit Papua New Guinea are typically July, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Papua New Guinea has an average annual temperature of 27.1°C and about 1470 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically December 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 10,389,635 residents, Papua New Guinea is a country in East Asia & Pacific. The population is expanding fast — roughly 1.8% annually.
Papua New Guinea is a lower-income economy, with GDP per capita of about $2,966. Life expectancy is 66.1 years, below the global average, with a fertility rate of 3.1 births per woman, and 15.1% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.