Demographics of Papua New Guinea

As of 2026, the population of Papua New Guinea is projected at 10.95 million, compared to 10.76 million in 2025. It is the second-most populous country in Oceania and ranks 92nd in the world, accounting for 23.2% of Oceania's population. The population growth rate for 2026 is projected at 1.68%, placing Papua New Guinea 60th among 237 countries and dependent territories.

There are 5.62 million males and 5.33 million females in Papua New Guinea. The male population accounts for 51.34%, compared to 48.66% for females. Papua New Guinea has 293k more males than females. The sex ratio in 2026 is projected at 105.50 males per 100 females. Papua New Guinea ranks 216th globally in terms of the female-to-male ratio.

In 2026, Papua New Guinea is projected to record 257k births, the 78th highest number of births worldwide—roughly 705 per day, or 29 per hour. Meanwhile, the country is expected to record 73k deaths, the 97th highest death toll in the world—about 199 per day, or 8 per hour.

In 2026, Papua New Guinea is projected to have a life expectancy at birth to reach 66.51 years, approximately 7.26 years below the global average. This places the country 206th worldwide and second-lowest in Oceania behind Nauru. Its life expectancy is comparable to that of Gambia, Djibouti, and Congo.

In 2026, Papua New Guinea's total fertility rate (TFR) is projected at 2.99 children per woman, above the global average. This places Papua New Guinea 57th worldwide and 8th in Oceania, putting it on par with countries such as Tajikistan, Tonga, and Kazakhstan in terms of overall fertility.

• Population
• Growth rate
• Gender

Papua New Guinea population

• Life expectancy
• Median age
• Fertility rate

Demographics Indicators

• Total
• Crude

Papua New Guinea death and birth rate

• Population
• Urbanization

Urban and rural population of Papua New Guinea

• Population pyramid
• Gender ratio

Papua New Guinea population by Age Group (2026)