Vanuatu Population Density
People per sq. km of land area EN.POP.DNST
Vanuatu's population density was 27.4 in 2025, ranked 175th globally. This represents a 4.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Vanuatu's population density stood at 27.4 in 2025, a rise of +1.2 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 27.4 by 2025. Vanuatu ranked 175th globally.
Vanuatu’s population density has risen steadily from 5.44 persons per square kilometre in 1961 to an all‑time peak of 27.44 in 2025, placing the island nation at rank 175 globally according to World Bank data. This 64‑year trajectory reflects modest but consistent demographic growth combined with limited land expansion, as the country’s total area has remained unchanged. The latest figure of 27.44 is marginally higher than the density of Peru (26.97) and slightly below that of Sudan (28.16), underscoring Vanuatu’s position among the world’s less densely populated states while still outpacing many larger territories. The upward trend has been driven primarily by natural increase rather than large‑scale migration, and the absence of major urbanisation spikes suggests a gradual evolution rather than abrupt change. Continued improvements in health outcomes and modest economic development are likely to sustain incremental density gains, though any significant rise in out‑migration or land‑use constraints could temper future increases.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Density | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 28.0 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 27.4 | - | - |
| 2025 | 27.4 | +1.2 | #175 |
| 2023 | 26.3 | +0.6 | #38 |
| 2022 | 25.7 | +0.6 | #37 |
| 2021 | 25.1 | +0.6 | #37 |
| 2020 | 24.5 | +0.6 | #36 |
| 2019 | 24.0 | +0.6 | #36 |
| 2018 | 23.4 | +0.6 | #36 |
| 2017 | 22.8 | +0.5 | #36 |
| 2016 | 22.3 | +0.5 | #37 |
| 2015 | 21.8 | +0.5 | #37 |
| 2014 | 21.3 | +0.5 | #38 |
| 2013 | 20.9 | +0.5 | #39 |
| 2012 | 20.4 | +0.4 | #40 |
| 2011 | 20.0 | +0.4 | #39 |
| 2010 | 19.5 | +0.5 | #38 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Vanuatu matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw population density improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanuatu's population density was 27.4 in 2025. Ranked 175th globally. This represents a 4.4% increase from the previous year.
Vanuatu's population density peaked at 27.4 in 2025.
The lowest population density in Vanuatu was 5.4 in 1961.
Vanuatu ranks 175th globally in population density as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is EN.POP.DNST. Data sourced from World Bank.
Vanuatu's population density is projected to reach 27.4 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population density of Vanuatu in 2025 was 27.4. This ranks 175th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_vanuatu_population-density,
title = {Vanuatu Population Density},
url = {https://historysaid.com/vanuatu/population-density/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}