Papua New Guinea Population Growth
Annual population growth rate SP.POP.GROW
Papua New Guinea's population growth was 1.66% in 2025, ranked 69th globally. This represents a 7.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Papua New Guinea's population growth stood at 1.66% in 2025, a decline of +0.12pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.66% by 2025. Papua New Guinea ranked 69th globally.
Papua New Guinea's population growth rate has exhibited a steady decline over the past six decades. Starting from a peak of 3.63% in 1993, the country's population growth rate has been gradually decreasing, with the latest available figure standing at 1.66% in 2025, ranking 69th globally. This slowdown can be attributed to various factors, including improved healthcare and family planning services. Compared to its peer countries, such as Honduras, which shares a similar growth rate of 1.67% in 2025, Papua New Guinea's population growth rate has been relatively stable. The all-time trough in 2025 marks a significant milestone, indicating a potential shift towards a more stable demographic profile. However, Papua New Guinea's population growth rate is expected to remain relatively high, and a significant increase in life expectancy or improvements in fertility rates could further alter the trajectory of the country's population growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 1.48% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 1.57% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.66% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.66% | −0.12pp | #69 |
| 2024 | 1.78% | −0.03pp | #158 |
| 2023 | 1.81% | −0.07pp | #153 |
| 2022 | 1.88% | −0.11pp | #157 |
| 2021 | 1.99% | −0.14pp | #171 |
| 2020 | 2.13% | −0.13pp | #171 |
| 2019 | 2.26% | −0.07pp | #172 |
| 2018 | 2.32% | −0.07pp | #173 |
| 2017 | 2.39% | −0.08pp | #175 |
| 2016 | 2.47% | −0.08pp | #176 |
| 2015 | 2.55% | −0.08pp | #176 |
| 2014 | 2.62% | −0.08pp | #177 |
| 2013 | 2.70% | −0.08pp | #177 |
| 2012 | 2.79% | −0.13pp | #182 |
| 2011 | 2.92% | −0.10pp | #188 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Papua New Guinea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw population growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Papua New Guinea's population growth was 1.66% in 2025. Ranked 69th globally. This represents a 7.0% decrease from the previous year.
Papua New Guinea's population growth peaked at 3.63% in 1993.
The lowest population growth in Papua New Guinea was 1.66% in 2025.
Papua New Guinea ranks 69th globally in population growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.GROW. Data sourced from World Bank.
Papua New Guinea's population growth is projected to reach 1.66% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population growth of Papua New Guinea in 2025 was 1.66%. This ranks 69th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_papua-new-guinea_population-growth,
title = {Papua New Guinea Population Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/papua-new-guinea/population-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}