Population density in Papua New Guinea: 22.9 (Population density, 2023 · 182nd of 216). Population density (people per sq. km) in Papua New Guinea: 22.9 in 2023, ranking 182nd of 216 countries. In 2010 it was 16.9.
Data last updated · Period: 2010–2023
Understanding the chart
The line chart above tracks population density (people per sq. km) in Papua New Guinea for each year from 2010 to 2023, 14 data points in all. Each dot is one year; the first and last years and the highest point are labelled with their values, and the vertical scale is in people per sq. km. All values in this period were above zero. The data table below the chart lists every value, and you can download the data, embed the chart or share it from the buttons above. The figures cover 2010–2023 and come from World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0).
Key insights
- Between 2010 and 2023, Papua New Guinea's population density rose from 16.9 to 22.9, a change of 36.1% (about 2.4% a year on average).
- The highest value in this period was 22.9 in 2023; the lowest was 16.9 in 2010.
- Recently, the figure has risen in each of the last two years (2022: 22.5; 2023: 22.9).
- That is 63% lower than the world figure of 62.1.
- Papua New Guinea has the 182nd-highest value of 216 countries with recent data.
- In Melanesia, Papua New Guinea has the 4th-highest value of 5 countries with recent data; the highest is Fiji (50.6), and the typical (median) value is 26.3.
Analysis
Averaged over periods, the figure was 17.8 in 2010 to 2014, 20.3 in 2015 to 2019 and 22.3 in 2020 onwards. The value went up in 13 of the 13 year-to-year steps and down in 0. The biggest one-year rise came in 2011 (+0.5, or 3.0%). Across the period the values varied by about 10% around their average (20.0), a fairly steady path.
What it means
For businesses and investors, the figure is most useful alongside related measures for the same country, such as growth, inflation, population and incomes, and compared with similar countries. Compared with its neighbours in Melanesia, where the typical value is 26.3, Papua New Guinea is 13% lower than the regional median.
Related figures
- Population density (people per sq. km) by country, 2023: 20,569.7 (highest: Macao SAR, China). The number of people per square kilometer of land area.
- Population density (people per sq. km) in Fiji, 2010–2023: 50.6 (Population density, 2023 · 152nd of 216). Population density (people per sq.
- Population density (people per sq. km) in New Caledonia, 2010–2023: 15.9 (Population density, 2023 · 196th of 216). Population density (people per sq.
About this statistic
The number of people per square kilometer of land area. Denser countries can support more businesses within reach of each customer.
Population size, growth, age and urbanisation decide how many customers a market has, what they need, and where they live. The figures come from the World Bank's World Development Indicators, which compile official national statistics in a consistent form so countries can be compared.
Questions and answers
What is the population density (people per sq. km) in Papua New Guinea?
22.9 (Population density, 2023 · 182nd of 216). Population density (people per sq. km) in Papua New Guinea: 22.9 in 2023, ranking 182nd of 216 countries. In 2010 it was 16.9.
How has population density in Papua New Guinea changed since 2010?
Between 2010 and 2023, Papua New Guinea's population density rose from 16.9 to 22.9, a change of 36.1% (about 2.4% a year on average). The highest value in this period was 22.9 in 2023; the lowest was 16.9 in 2010.
Where does this data come from?
From World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0), covering 2010–2023. The number of people per square kilometer of land area. Denser countries can support more businesses within reach of each customer.
Data
| Year | Population density (people per sq. km) |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16.9 |
| 2011 | 17.4 |
| 2012 | 17.8 |
| 2013 | 18.3 |
| 2014 | 18.8 |
| 2015 | 19.3 |
| 2016 | 19.8 |
| 2017 | 20.3 |
| 2018 | 20.7 |
| 2019 | 21.2 |
| 2020 | 21.7 |
| 2021 | 22.1 |
| 2022 | 22.5 |
| 2023 | 22.9 |
Source and notes
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0). Period: 2010–2023. Coverage: Papua New Guinea.
The number of people per square kilometer of land area. Denser countries can support more businesses within reach of each customer.
Cite this statistic
Please also credit the original source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0).Related statistics
- Population density (people per sq. km) by country, 2023
- Population density (people per sq. km) in Fiji, 2010–2023
- Population density (people per sq. km) in New Caledonia, 2010–2023
- Population density (people per sq. km) in Solomon Islands, 2010–2023
- Population density (people per sq. km) in Vanuatu, 2010–2023
- GDP of Papua New Guinea, 2010–2025
- Economic growth (GDP growth) in Papua New Guinea, 2010–2025
- GDP per person in Papua New Guinea, 2010–2025
- GDP per person, adjusted for prices (PPP, international $) in Papua New Guinea, 2010–2024
All Papua New Guinea data: economy, people, jobs and digital in one place
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