The Gaza Strip exhibits one of the highest rates of natural increase (RNI) in population growth in the world, with estimates frequently exceeding 2.5% per year. This high RNI is driven by a combination of elevated birth rates and relatively low death rates, despite challenging living conditions. When compared to neighboring countries, Gaza’s RNI stands out: Egypt’s RNI is notably lower, hovering around 1.7%, while Israel’s RNI is even lower, at approximately 1.5%. Jordan, another nearby country, has an RNI of about 1.8%. The contrast is even more pronounced when compared to more developed countries in the region, where RNI rates are often below 1%. Gaza’s youthful population structure, limited access to family planning, and cultural factors contribute to its rapid population growth, which places additional pressure on its already strained resources and infrastructure.
| Year | Rate of Natural Increase | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 3.715 | 1,127,829 |
| 2005 | 3.813 | 1,305,570 |
| 2010 | 3.463 | 1,502,519 |
| 2015 | 2.983 | 1,711,085 |
| 2020 | 2.556 | 1,917,031 |
| 2024 | 2.384 | 2,078,200 |
| 2025 | 2.333 | 2,118,587 |
| 2026 | 2.298 | 2,159,016 |
| 2030 | 2.123 | 2,321,163 |
| 2035 | 1.915 | 2,520,726 |
| 2040 | 1.712 | 2,713,073 |
| 2045 | 1.51 | 2,893,632 |
| 2050 | 1.339 | 3,060,115 |
| 2055 | 1.2 | 3,213,636 |
| 2060 | 1.067 | 3,354,289 |
| 2065 | 0.928 | 3,479,351 |
| 2070 | 0.778 | 3,584,696 |
| 2075 | 0.621 | 3,666,105 |
| 2080 | 0.463 | 3,720,686 |
| 2085 | 0.309 | 3,747,183 |
| 2090 | 0.159 | 3,745,434 |
| 2095 | 0.016 | 3,716,189 |
| 2100 | -0.117 | 3,661,318 |
Data from US Census International Database