Kiribati, a small island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, has experienced steady population growth over the past several decades. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 130,000 people, up from approximately 84,000 in 1990. This growth has been driven primarily by a high birth rate, although it is somewhat offset by emigration, particularly to countries like New Zealand and Fiji. The population is concentrated mainly on the Gilbert Islands, especially the capital, South Tarawa, leading to significant challenges related to overcrowding, limited resources, and environmental vulnerability. The country's youthful demographic profile, with a large proportion of residents under the age of 25, suggests that population growth will continue to pose both opportunities and challenges for Kiribati in the coming years.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 33,448 | 41.2 |
| 1955 | 36,911 | 45.5 |
| 1960 | 40,732 | 50.2 |
| 1965 | 44,762 | 55.2 |
| 1970 | 48,899 | 60.3 |
| 1975 | 53,226 | 65.6 |
| 1980 | 57,536 | 70.9 |
| 1985 | 62,034 | 76.5 |
| 1990 | 71,338 | 88 |
| 1995 | 76,665 | 94.5 |
| 2000 | 85,314 | 105.2 |
| 2005 | 92,798 | 114.4 |
| 2010 | 99,664 | 122.9 |
| 2015 | 105,813 | 130.5 |
| 2020 | 111,814 | 137.9 |
| 2022 | 114,189 | 140.8 |
| 2023 | 115,372 | 142.3 |
| 2024 | 116,545 | 143.7 |
| 2025 | 117,702 | 145.1 |
| 2030 | 123,278 | 152 |
| 2035 | 128,289 | 158.2 |
| 2040 | 132,560 | 163.5 |
| 2045 | 136,164 | 167.9 |
| 2050 | 139,289 | 171.7 |
| 2055 | 142,036 | 175.1 |
| 2060 | 144,299 | 177.9 |
| 2065 | 145,969 | 180 |
| 2070 | 146,921 | 181.2 |
| 2075 | 147,099 | 181.4 |
| 2080 | 146,602 | 180.8 |
| 2085 | 145,583 | 179.5 |
| 2090 | 144,182 | 177.8 |
| 2095 | 142,502 | 175.7 |
| 2100 | 140,585 | 173.3 |
Data from US Census International Database