Population of Iceland Edges Close to 400,000 Residents

2026-02-11 - 10:37

Iceland’s population continued to grow steadily through the end of 2025, edging closer to the 400,000 mark, according to the latest quarterly data from Statistics Iceland. As reported by Vísir, the country’s population stood at 394,530 at the end of the year, an increase of more than 5,000 compared with the same period in 2024. Growth during the final quarter alone amounted to 1,370 people, driven by a combination of natural increase and net migration. What's the Story? Iceland’s population stood at 394,530 at the end of 2025, according to Statistics Iceland Net population growth of 1,370 recorded in the fourth quarter of the year Foreign citizens accounted for 17.8% of the population, or 70,420 residents A crowd gathers at Arnarhóll in Reykjavík. Photo: Golli. New figures released Foreign citizens now represent a significant share of Iceland’s population, accounting for 17.8%, or 70,420 residents. The figures also show a persistent gender imbalance, with approximately 202,220 men living in the country compared with 192,090 women, alongside a small number registered under other or unspecified categories. Population growth remains concentrated in the capital region, where just over 252,000 people reside. By comparison, slightly more than 142,000 people live outside the capital area, reflecting ongoing urban concentration. Statistics Iceland said births and migration were the primary contributors to growth in the final months of the year. “In the fourth quarter of 2025, 1,080 children were born, while 690 individuals died. At the same time, 990 individuals immigrated to the country in excess of those who emigrated,” the agency said, noting that net migration was higher among foreign citizens than Icelandic nationals.