The population of the Netherlands has experienced steady growth over the past decades, driven by a combination of natural increase and immigration. As of 2023, the country’s population surpassed 17.8 million, making it one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. While the birth rate has gradually declined, net migration has become a significant factor in population growth, with people arriving from within the European Union as well as from other parts of the world. Urban areas, particularly the Randstad region—which includes Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht—have seen the most significant increases. Despite its limited land area, the Netherlands continues to manage its population growth through efficient urban planning and infrastructure development.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 10,120,705 | 298.6 |
| 1955 | 10,758,334 | 317.4 |
| 1960 | 11,493,806 | 339.1 |
| 1965 | 12,301,156 | 362.9 |
| 1970 | 13,042,840 | 384.8 |
| 1975 | 13,664,577 | 403.2 |
| 1980 | 14,155,285 | 417.6 |
| 1985 | 14,504,372 | 427.9 |
| 1990 | 14,965,871 | 441.6 |
| 1995 | 15,476,372 | 456.6 |
| 2000 | 15,930,182 | 470 |
| 2005 | 16,299,098 | 480.9 |
| 2010 | 16,573,644 | 489 |
| 2015 | 16,943,854 | 499.9 |
| 2020 | 17,274,001 | 509.7 |
| 2022 | 17,400,824 | 513.4 |
| 2023 | 17,463,930 | 515.3 |
| 2024 | 17,526,406 | 517.1 |
| 2025 | 17,588,011 | 518.9 |
| 2030 | 17,871,948 | 527.3 |
| 2035 | 18,096,999 | 533.9 |
| 2040 | 18,248,576 | 538.4 |
| 2045 | 18,341,061 | 541.1 |
| 2050 | 18,405,073 | 543 |
| 2055 | 18,466,766 | 544.9 |
| 2060 | 18,538,888 | 547 |
| 2065 | 18,625,356 | 549.5 |
| 2070 | 18,723,766 | 552.4 |
| 2075 | 18,824,712 | 555.4 |
| 2080 | 18,917,235 | 558.1 |
| 2085 | 18,992,190 | 560.4 |
| 2090 | 19,050,591 | 562.1 |
| 2095 | 19,096,232 | 563.4 |
| 2100 | 19,132,501 | 564.5 |
Data from US Census International Database