Timor-Leste Population Growth
Annual population growth rate SP.POP.GROW
Timor-Leste's population growth was 0.82% in 2025, ranked 122nd globally. This represents a 30.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Timor-Leste's population growth stood at 0.82% in 2025, a decline of +0.35pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.82% by 2025. Timor-Leste ranked 122nd globally.
Timor‑Leste’s population growth rate has slowed to 0.82 % in 2025, placing the nation at 122nd in the world ranking, and it now closely mirrors Indonesia’s 0.81 % and India’s 0.84 % rates. The country’s demographic trajectory spans 65 years, beginning with a 1.52 % increase in 1961, then surging to an all‑time peak of 8.63 % in 2001, a period driven by high fertility and reduced mortality after the post‑conflict reconstruction phase. The subsequent plunge to a historic trough of –12.15 % in 1999 reflected the severe population loss associated with the 1999 crisis and displacement. Since that nadir, growth has rebounded but remains well below the early‑2000s high, indicating a transition toward lower birth rates and gradual urbanisation. Continued improvements in health services, education, and economic diversification are likely to sustain the modest upward trend, while any resurgence of instability could again depress the growth trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 0.38% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 0.60% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.82% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.82% | −0.35pp | #122 |
| 2024 | 1.17% | +0.09pp | #123 |
| 2023 | 1.09% | −0.32pp | #111 |
| 2022 | 1.41% | −0.39pp | #135 |
| 2021 | 1.80% | −0.11pp | #160 |
| 2020 | 1.91% | −0.03pp | #159 |
| 2019 | 1.94% | +0.02pp | #158 |
| 2018 | 1.92% | +0.03pp | #158 |
| 2017 | 1.89% | −0.02pp | #150 |
| 2016 | 1.91% | −0.04pp | #153 |
| 2015 | 1.95% | −0.04pp | #146 |
| 2014 | 1.98% | −0.09pp | #150 |
| 2013 | 2.08% | −0.12pp | #152 |
| 2012 | 2.20% | −0.13pp | #161 |
| 2011 | 2.33% | −0.09pp | #169 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Timor-Leste matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw population growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Timor-Leste's population growth was 0.82% in 2025. Ranked 122nd globally. This represents a 30.1% decrease from the previous year.
Timor-Leste's population growth peaked at 8.63% in 2001.
The lowest population growth in Timor-Leste was -12.15% in 1999.
Timor-Leste ranks 122nd globally in population growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.GROW. Data sourced from World Bank.
Timor-Leste's population growth is projected to reach 0.82% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population growth of Timor-Leste in 2025 was 0.82%. This ranks 122nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_timor-leste_population-growth,
title = {Timor-Leste Population Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/timor-leste/population-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}