New Caledonia Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
New Caledonia's urban population was 68.10% in 2025, ranked 97th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
New Caledonia's urban population stood at 68.10% in 2025, a rise of +0.15% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 68.10% by 2025. New Caledonia ranked 97th globally.
New Caledonia’s urban population share has risen steadily over the 66‑year span from 36.59 % in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 68.10 % in 2025, placing the territory at rank 97 worldwide. The near‑linear increase reflects gradual rural‑to‑urban migration and the expansion of the main cities of Nouméa and Dumbéa, where economic activity and public services have concentrated. By 2025 the urbanisation level is only marginally lower than Latvia’s 68.55 % and Botswana’s 67.57 %, indicating that New Caledonia now aligns with mid‑range peers rather than remaining an outlier. The persistent upward trajectory suggests that further infrastructural development, particularly in housing and transport, will be required to accommodate additional urban dwellers. Absent major policy shifts or external shocks, the share of the population living in urban areas is likely to continue edging upward, potentially surpassing 70 % within the next decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 68.44% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 68.27% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 68.10% | - | - |
| 2025 | 68.10% | +0.15% | #97 |
| 2024 | 67.95% | +0.20% | #120 |
| 2023 | 67.75% | +0.18% | #120 |
| 2022 | 67.57% | +0.16% | #120 |
| 2021 | 67.41% | +0.14% | #121 |
| 2020 | 67.27% | +0.12% | #121 |
| 2019 | 67.16% | +0.10% | #122 |
| 2018 | 67.06% | +0.09% | #122 |
| 2017 | 66.97% | +0.08% | #122 |
| 2016 | 66.89% | +0.06% | #121 |
| 2015 | 66.83% | +0.04% | #121 |
| 2014 | 66.78% | +0.03% | #123 |
| 2013 | 66.76% | +0.02% | #123 |
| 2012 | 66.74% | +0.02% | #124 |
| 2011 | 66.73% | +0.02% | #125 |
Analysis
New Caledonia's urban population was 68.10% in 2025, a rise of +0.15% from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 68.10% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Caledonia's urban population was 68.10% in 2025. Ranked 97th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
New Caledonia's urban population peaked at 68.10% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in New Caledonia was 36.59% in 1960.
New Caledonia ranks 97th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
New Caledonia's urban population is projected to reach 68.10% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of New Caledonia in 2025 was 68.10%. This ranks 97th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_new-caledonia_urban-population,
title = {New Caledonia Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/new-caledonia/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}