Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its stunning landscapes, geothermal hot springs, and unique culture. One question that may come to mind is, "What is the population of Iceland?"
As of 2023, the estimated population of Iceland is approximately 366,000 people. The majority of the population resides in the capital city of Reykjavik and its surrounding areas. Despite its small population, Iceland has a high standard of living and is known for its progressive policies on gender equality, renewable energy, and environmental protection.
Overall, understanding the population of Iceland is important in gaining a better understanding of the country's demographics and culture. Despite its small size, Iceland has a rich history and unique way of life that has captivated the world.
Current Population of Iceland
As of September 2023, the estimated population of Iceland is approximately 364,000 people. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, with an average annual growth rate of 0.6% since 2010.
Iceland's population is relatively small compared to other European countries, but it is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, with a population density of only 3 people per square kilometre.
The majority of Iceland's population lives in the capital city of Reykjavik and its surrounding areas, which accounts for over two-thirds of the country's total population. The rest of the population is scattered across smaller towns and villages throughout the country.
Iceland has a highly educated population, with a literacy rate of 99%. The country also has a high life expectancy, with an average life expectancy of 83 years for women and 78 years for men.
The following table provides a breakdown of Iceland's population by age group as of 2023:
| Age Group | Population |
|---|---|
| 0-14 | 19.2% |
| 15-24 | 12.6% |
| 25-54 | 42.2% |
| 55-64 | 11.4% |
| 65+ | 14.6% |
Overall, Iceland's population is relatively small but highly educated and has a high standard of living.
Historical Population Trends
Iceland has a relatively small population compared to other countries. The population of Iceland has grown over the years, but at a slow rate. The following paragraphs provide an overview of the historical population trends in Iceland.
In 1703, the population of Iceland was estimated to be around 50,000. By the end of the 19th century, the population had grown to around 78,000. The population continued to grow slowly in the 20th century, reaching 119,000 in 1950 and 182,000 in 2000.
In recent years, the population growth rate has slowed down. According to the latest estimates, the population of Iceland is around 364,000. The population growth rate in Iceland is currently around 0.7% per year, which is lower than the average growth rate in Europe.
The following table shows the population of Iceland from 1703 to 2021:
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1703 | 50,000 |
| 1801 | 47,000 |
| 1901 | 78,000 |
| 1950 | 119,000 |
| 2000 | 182,000 |
| 2010 | 318,000 |
| 2021 | 364,000 |
In summary, the population of Iceland has grown slowly over the years. The population growth rate has slowed down in recent years, and the current population is around 364,000.
Demographics of Iceland
Age Structure
Iceland has a relatively small population of approximately 364,000 people. As of 2022, the median age of the population is 37.9 years, with a life expectancy of 83.1 years for women and 79.4 years for men.
The age structure of Iceland's population is relatively even, with 20.1% of the population under the age of 18, 64.9% between the ages of 18 and 64, and 15% over the age of 65. The country has a low birth rate of 1.7 children per woman, which is below the replacement rate of 2.1.
Gender Ratio
Iceland has a fairly balanced gender ratio, with approximately 50.2% of the population being female and 49.8% being male. The country has a relatively high proportion of women in the workforce, with women making up 47% of the workforce in 2021.
In terms of education, women in Iceland have a higher level of education than men. In 2020, 64% of women aged 25-64 had completed tertiary education, compared to 52% of men in the same age group.
Overall, Iceland has a relatively homogeneous population, with around 94% of the population being of Icelandic descent. The remaining 6% of the population is made up of immigrants, mainly from Poland, Lithuania, and other European countries.
Population Density
Iceland has a relatively low population density compared to other European countries. As of 2021, the population density of Iceland was 3 people per square kilometre. This is due to the country's large land area of 103,000 square kilometres and a small population of approximately 364,000 people.
The population density of Iceland is not evenly distributed across the country. The majority of the population resides in the capital city of Reykjavik and its surrounding areas. In fact, over two-thirds of Iceland's population lives in the southwest region of the country. This region has a higher population density than other parts of Iceland, with an average of 10 people per square kilometre.
The low population density of Iceland has both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it allows for plenty of open space and untouched wilderness, which is a draw for tourists. On the other hand, it can make it challenging to provide services and infrastructure to remote areas of the country.
Overall, Iceland's population density is relatively low, but it is important to consider the distribution of the population across the country when examining this statistic.
Urban and Rural Population
Iceland has a small population, with around 364,000 inhabitants as of 2021. The majority of the population lives in urban areas, with only a small percentage residing in rural areas.
According to the Icelandic National Statistical Institute, the urban population of Iceland was estimated to be 233,070 in 2020, which is around 64% of the total population. The remaining 36% of the population lives in rural areas.
Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is the most populous urban area in the country and is home to approximately two-thirds of the urban population. Other major urban areas in Iceland include Akureyri, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, and Reykjanesbær.
The urban areas of Iceland are well-developed, with modern infrastructure and amenities. The majority of the population has access to healthcare, education, and other basic services. However, the rural areas of Iceland are more sparsely populated and may have limited access to certain services.
In recent years, there has been a trend of urbanization in Iceland, with more people moving from rural areas to urban areas in search of better job opportunities and a higher standard of living. Despite this trend, the rural areas of Iceland remain an important part of the country's culture and heritage, with many traditional practices and customs still maintained in these areas.
Overall, while the majority of Iceland's population lives in urban areas, the rural areas of the country remain an important part of its identity and history.
Population Projections
According to the latest data from the Icelandic National Registry, the population of Iceland as of January 2023 was 369,246. However, population projections suggest that this number will continue to grow in the coming years.
The Icelandic government predicts that the population will reach 400,000 by 2030 and 450,000 by 2040. This growth is expected to be driven by a combination of natural increase (births minus deaths) and net migration (people moving to Iceland minus people leaving Iceland).
It is worth noting that these projections are subject to change depending on a variety of factors, such as changes in immigration policy or economic conditions. However, based on current trends, it appears that Iceland's population will continue to grow steadily in the coming years.