Let's talk about the population of Iceland.
Does Iceland have a native population?
Iceland stands out as the sole Arctic State devoid of an Indigenous population. Since the establishment of settlements in the ninth century AD until the present day, the residents of Iceland have primarily originated from Northern Europe.
Population of Iceland: 2022-2023
In 2023, Iceland's population reached 375,318, indicating a growth of 0.65% compared to the previous year. In 2022, the population stood at 372,899, reflecting a 0.69% increase from 2021.
Population of Iceland: density, growth rate
Population Density: 3.66/km² (9.5/sq mi).
The population of Iceland is increasing at a rate of 1.6% per year.
The population of Iceland is increasing at a rate of 1.6% per year.
Why does Iceland have such a small population?
The modest population in Iceland can be ascribed to a blend of factors. The country's geographical remoteness, challenging climate, and restricted arable land diminish its appeal for extensive settlement. Furthermore, historical occurrences like the Black Death and emigration to other nations have played a role in shaping the population size. Despite its limited populace, Iceland maintains a high standard of living and is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and a robust sense of community.
Iceland's cities by population
- Reykjavik: 118,918
- Kopavogur: 31,719
- Hafnarfjoerdur: 26,808
- Akureyri: 17,693
- Gardabaer: 11,421
- Mosfellsbaer: 8,651
- Akranes: 6,612
- Selfoss: 6,510
- Isafjoerdur: 2,624
- Saudarkrokur: 2,575
Muslim population in Iceland
Islam in Iceland constitutes a minority religious presence. According to the Pew Research Center, the estimated number of Muslims in Iceland falls below their 10,000 minimum threshold. Official statistics indicate a figure of under 1,300 Muslims, accounting for approximately 0.33% of the total population of 385,230.
In 2011, Icelandic Muslims captured the attention of Al Jazeera, leading the channel to plan a documentary focusing on Muslims in Iceland and New Zealand. Al Jazeera aimed to explore how Ramadan, a significant Islamic observance, is observed in regions with higher latitudes, where the night without sun and the sun's continuous presence can result in unusual lengths of daylight compared to majority-Muslim lands.
In 2011, Icelandic Muslims captured the attention of Al Jazeera, leading the channel to plan a documentary focusing on Muslims in Iceland and New Zealand. Al Jazeera aimed to explore how Ramadan, a significant Islamic observance, is observed in regions with higher latitudes, where the night without sun and the sun's continuous presence can result in unusual lengths of daylight compared to majority-Muslim lands.
Jewish population in Iceland
The history of the Jewish community in Iceland dates back to 1625. As of 2018, there were approximately 250 Jews residing in Iceland. This community regularly comes together to observe and celebrate various Jewish holidays. Notably, in 2018, Iceland welcomed its first resident rabbi since 1918, marking a significant development for the Jewish community in the country.
Christian population in Iceland
As of 2023, Christians comprised 69.55% of the Icelandic population, marking a notable decline from the 97.8% recorded in 1990, as reported by Statistics Iceland. Within the broader Christian category, 58.61% identified as Lutherans affiliated with the Church of Iceland, showcasing a significant decrease from the 92.6% recorded in 1990. Other minor Lutheran free churches constituted 5.33%, Roman Catholicism accounted for 3.83%, and other Christian denominations represented 1.78%.
The Roman Catholic community has experienced growth since 1990, increasing from 0.9%, while other Christian denominations saw substantial growth primarily between 1990 and the 2010s, stabilizing thereafter.
The Roman Catholic community has experienced growth since 1990, increasing from 0.9%, while other Christian denominations saw substantial growth primarily between 1990 and the 2010s, stabilizing thereafter.
Iceland's population male vs female
The sex ratio of the overall population stood at 1.015, indicating 1,015 males per 1,000 females. This ratio is slightly below the global average, which was around 1,016 males to 1,000 females as of 2023.
Iceland's population by race
The ethnic composition of Iceland is characterized by 81.3% Icelandic, 5.6% Polish, 1% Danish, and 12.1% from various other ethnic backgrounds.
Black population in Iceland
Individuals of Black descent in Iceland generally originate from three primary sources: 1) individuals adopted by Icelanders, predominantly from African countries; 2) immigrants, mainly from African nations, as well as from the UK, USA, South and Central America; and 3) offspring of mixed couples. The estimated population of Black Icelanders is around 3,000 to 4,000, constituting approximately 1% of the total population.
Greenland vs Iceland population
Greenland has a population of 56,661, while Iceland's population is significantly larger at 375,318. In terms of population density, Greenland has a very low density of 0.0 inhabitants per square kilometer, compared to Iceland's 3.66 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Life expectancy varies between the two countries. The average life expectancy for males in Greenland is approximately 70 years, while in Iceland, it is notably higher at around 82 years. Similarly, the average life expectancy for females is 73 years in Greenland and 85 years in Iceland.
The average age of the population also differs. In Greenland, the average age is approximately 34.3 years, while in Iceland, it is slightly higher at around 37.1 years.
Regarding birth and death rates, Greenland has a higher birth rate of 13.40 per thousand compared to Iceland's 13.10 per thousand. However, Greenland's death rate is 9.40 per thousand, which is higher than Iceland's lower rate of 6.30 per thousand.
Migration rates present another contrast. Greenland experiences a negative migration rate of -1.09 per thousand, indicating more people leaving than arriving. In contrast, Iceland has a positive migration rate of 1.63 per thousand, suggesting a net influx of people into the country.
Life expectancy varies between the two countries. The average life expectancy for males in Greenland is approximately 70 years, while in Iceland, it is notably higher at around 82 years. Similarly, the average life expectancy for females is 73 years in Greenland and 85 years in Iceland.
The average age of the population also differs. In Greenland, the average age is approximately 34.3 years, while in Iceland, it is slightly higher at around 37.1 years.
Regarding birth and death rates, Greenland has a higher birth rate of 13.40 per thousand compared to Iceland's 13.10 per thousand. However, Greenland's death rate is 9.40 per thousand, which is higher than Iceland's lower rate of 6.30 per thousand.
Migration rates present another contrast. Greenland experiences a negative migration rate of -1.09 per thousand, indicating more people leaving than arriving. In contrast, Iceland has a positive migration rate of 1.63 per thousand, suggesting a net influx of people into the country.
Population of Iceland: history
Migration and Settlement:
The majority of the Icelandic population traces its roots to Norwegian settlers and Gaels from Ireland and Scotland, who were brought to Iceland as slaves during its settlement in the ninth century AD. Recent DNA analysis indicates that around 66 percent of the male settlers had Norse ancestry, while the female population had a majority of 60 percent Celtic ancestry. Iceland remained notably homogenous from its settlement period until the twentieth century.
Emigration:
Starting in the 1850s, a significant number of Icelanders began to emigrate, with an estimated 17,000 moving to North America between 1870 and 1914. Approximately 2,000 returned to Iceland, resulting in a net loss of 15,000, constituting about 20% of the Icelandic population in 1887. Unique to Icelandic migration patterns was the preference for Canada over the United States, partly influenced by the Canadian authorities' promotion of emigration in collaboration with the Allan Line.
In the aftermath of the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis, a notable number of Icelanders sought work abroad.
Immigration:
Before the 1990s, immigration to Iceland was minimal, primarily originating from other Scandinavian countries. In 1900, only about 1% of Icelanders had Danish heritage. By the mid-1990s, 95% of Icelanders had parents of Icelandic origin, with 2% being first-generation immigrants.
Immigration to Iceland experienced a rapid increase in the late twentieth century, driven by the country's accession to the European Economic Area in 1994, its entry into the Schengen Agreement in 2001, and its economic boom in the early twenty-first century. Poles constitute the largest ethnic minority, comprising about one-third of the immigrant population. As of 2017, 10.6% of the population consisted of first-generation immigrants.
Iceland is also witnessing the development of relatively small populations of religious minorities, including Catholics, Baháʼís, Jews, Buddhists, and Muslims.
Research on the immigrant experience in Iceland is still in its early stages. While there is some evidence suggesting lower levels of acute racism compared to neighboring countries, there are indications that immigrant populations face certain prejudices and inequalities. For instance, Iceland experiences a higher dropout rate from upper secondary school among young immigrants compared to the EEA average.
The majority of the Icelandic population traces its roots to Norwegian settlers and Gaels from Ireland and Scotland, who were brought to Iceland as slaves during its settlement in the ninth century AD. Recent DNA analysis indicates that around 66 percent of the male settlers had Norse ancestry, while the female population had a majority of 60 percent Celtic ancestry. Iceland remained notably homogenous from its settlement period until the twentieth century.
Emigration:
Starting in the 1850s, a significant number of Icelanders began to emigrate, with an estimated 17,000 moving to North America between 1870 and 1914. Approximately 2,000 returned to Iceland, resulting in a net loss of 15,000, constituting about 20% of the Icelandic population in 1887. Unique to Icelandic migration patterns was the preference for Canada over the United States, partly influenced by the Canadian authorities' promotion of emigration in collaboration with the Allan Line.
In the aftermath of the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis, a notable number of Icelanders sought work abroad.
Immigration:
Before the 1990s, immigration to Iceland was minimal, primarily originating from other Scandinavian countries. In 1900, only about 1% of Icelanders had Danish heritage. By the mid-1990s, 95% of Icelanders had parents of Icelandic origin, with 2% being first-generation immigrants.
Immigration to Iceland experienced a rapid increase in the late twentieth century, driven by the country's accession to the European Economic Area in 1994, its entry into the Schengen Agreement in 2001, and its economic boom in the early twenty-first century. Poles constitute the largest ethnic minority, comprising about one-third of the immigrant population. As of 2017, 10.6% of the population consisted of first-generation immigrants.
Iceland is also witnessing the development of relatively small populations of religious minorities, including Catholics, Baháʼís, Jews, Buddhists, and Muslims.
Research on the immigrant experience in Iceland is still in its early stages. While there is some evidence suggesting lower levels of acute racism compared to neighboring countries, there are indications that immigrant populations face certain prejudices and inequalities. For instance, Iceland experiences a higher dropout rate from upper secondary school among young immigrants compared to the EEA average.
