Iceland’s population growth has been relatively modest compared to many other countries, shaped by its remote location and challenging climate. For much of its history, population increases were slow, with the country only surpassing 100,000 inhabitants in the early 20th century. In recent decades, however, the growth rate has accelerated somewhat, driven by improved healthcare, increased birth rates, and, more recently, immigration. As of 2024, Iceland's population stands at approximately 390,000. The capital, Reykjavík, and its surrounding areas have seen the most significant growth, reflecting urbanization trends. Despite this, Iceland remains one of the least densely populated countries in Europe, with vast areas of uninhabited land.
Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
---|---|---|
1950 | 142,938 | 1.4 |
1955 | 158,044 | 1.6 |
1960 | 175,860 | 1.8 |
1965 | 192,288 | 1.9 |
1970 | 204,104 | 2 |
1975 | 218,031 | 2.2 |
1980 | 228,161 | 2.3 |
1985 | 241,403 | 2.4 |
1990 | 254,719 | 2.5 |
1995 | 267,527 | 2.7 |
2000 | 281,038 | 2.8 |
2005 | 296,699 | 3 |
2010 | 317,924 | 3.2 |
2015 | 331,919 | 3.3 |
2020 | 350,773 | 3.5 |
2022 | 357,603 | 3.6 |
2023 | 360,872 | 3.6 |
2024 | 364,036 | 3.6 |
2025 | 367,086 | 3.7 |
2030 | 380,558 | 3.8 |
2035 | 391,869 | 3.9 |
2040 | 401,876 | 4 |
2045 | 410,488 | 4.1 |
2050 | 417,620 | 4.2 |
2055 | 423,391 | 4.2 |
2060 | 428,054 | 4.3 |
2065 | 431,838 | 4.3 |
2070 | 434,833 | 4.3 |
2075 | 436,928 | 4.4 |
2080 | 438,045 | 4.4 |
2085 | 438,256 | 4.4 |
2090 | 437,758 | 4.4 |
2095 | 436,681 | 4.4 |
2100 | 435,144 | 4.3 |
Data from US Census International Database