Netherlands Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Netherlands's physicians was 4.11 in 2025, ranked 29th globally. This represents a 5.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Netherlands's physicians stood at 4.11 in 2025, a rise of +0.23 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.11 by 2025. Netherlands ranked 29th globally.
The Netherlands has risen from 1.10 physicians per 1,000 people in 1964 to an all‑time peak of 4.11 in 2025, placing it 29th globally and just below the European Union average of 4.13 physicians per 1,000. This 273 percent increase over 61 years reflects sustained investment in medical education, expansion of health‑care infrastructure and a demographic shift toward an ageing population that has heightened demand for clinical services. Compared with regional peers, Poland records a slightly higher density at 4.14, while Moldova and Romania sit at 4.08, suggesting that the Netherlands remains competitive within the broader European context but still trails the highest‑ranking EU members. The long‑term upward trajectory has been punctuated by policy reforms in the 1990s that liberalised medical school admissions and in the 2000s that introduced incentives for rural practice, both contributing to steady growth. Continued emphasis on digital health integration and retention of foreign‑trained doctors will likely sustain the modest upward trend, unless fiscal constraints curtail training capacity.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 4.11 | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.11 | +0.23 | #29 |
| 2022 | 3.88 | +0.00 | #28 |
| 2021 | 3.88 | +0.07 | #28 |
| 2020 | 3.81 | +0.09 | #27 |
| 2019 | 3.71 | +0.08 | #27 |
| 2018 | 3.63 | +0.07 | #26 |
| 2017 | 3.57 | +0.06 | #27 |
| 2016 | 3.50 | +0.04 | #27 |
| 2015 | 3.46 | +0.07 | #24 |
| 2014 | 3.39 | +0.11 | #30 |
| 2013 | 3.28 | +0.06 | #32 |
| 2012 | 3.22 | +0.12 | #33 |
| 2011 | 3.10 | +0.17 | #34 |
| 2010 | 2.94 | +0.04 | #35 |
| 2009 | 2.90 | +0.05 | #36 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Netherlands matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Netherlands's physicians was 4.11 in 2025. Ranked 29th globally. This represents a 5.9% increase from the previous year.
Netherlands's physicians peaked at 4.11 in 2025.
The lowest physicians in Netherlands was 1.10 in 1960.
Netherlands ranks 29th globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Netherlands's physicians is projected to reach 4.11 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Netherlands in 2025 was 4.11. This ranks 29th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_netherlands_physicians,
title = {Netherlands Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/netherlands/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}