What Is the Population of Iceland? A Deep Dive into the Numbers and Culture

Tucked away in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is a nation that stands out for its volcanic beauty, clean energy, and cultural pride—but when it comes to population, it’s modest. With fewer than 400,000 residents, Iceland offers a rare look at how a small population functions in a modern, globalized world.

This article provides up-to-date statistics on Iceland’s population, along with insights into its demographics, growth patterns, immigration trends, and what it's like to live in a country with so few people.

What Is the Population of Iceland in 2024?

As of 2024, Iceland's estimated population is:

🧍 387,800 people

That number places Iceland:

• At #170 globally in terms of population size

• Just ahead of countries like Malta and Brunei

• Smaller than the city of Miami or a single Tokyo district

For comparison:

• New York City alone has over 8 million people

• Iceland has more sheep than humans—around 3x more, in fact!

Population Density – One of the World’s Lowest

Despite its land area of 103,000 square kilometers, Iceland’s population density is only about:

📏 3.5 people per square kilometer

That’s dramatically lower than:

• UK – ~281/km²

• USA – ~36/km²

• Netherlands – ~511/km²

Vast stretches of Iceland are uninhabited wilderness, especially in the central highlands, making the country feel remote even when you're just a few hours from Reykjavik.

H2: Where Do Most Icelanders Live?

Over 60% of the population lives in or around Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city in the southwest.

🏙️ Urban Breakdown:

• Reykjavik Capital Region: ~240,000

• Akureyri (North Iceland): ~20,000

• Selfoss & Hveragerði (South): ~15,000

• Ísafjörður, Egilsstaðir, Höfn (East & West Fjords): ~2,500–4,000 each

🏞️ Rural Iceland:

• Much of rural Iceland consists of scattered farmsteads and fishing villages

• Agricultural life remains important in places like Skagafjörður and Húnavatnssýsla

• Schools, shops, and medical services are limited but supported by good infrastructure and strong digital connectivity

Iceland's Population Over Time

📈 Growth Drivers:

• Natural population growth (births > deaths)

• Improved life expectancy (now ~83 years)

• Immigration due to tourism, labor needs, and economic growth

• Strong education and healthcare systems retaining residents

Immigration and Cultural Diversity

Iceland has become more diverse in the past two decades, with immigration rising steadily.

🌍 As of 2024:

• 16–18% of Iceland's population is foreign-born

• Largest immigrant groups:

• Polish

• Lithuanian

• Filipino

• Syrian

• Most immigrants live in Reykjavik or work in tourism-heavy regions

🛬 Why People Move to Iceland:

• Safe, stable society

• Good work-life balance

• Opportunities in construction, healthcare, and hospitality

• Welcoming immigration policies for skilled workers and refugees

Age, Gender, and Family Structure

👥 Gender Split:

• ~51% Female / ~49% Male

• The difference is small but consistent

📊 Median Age:

• ~37 years old

• Iceland’s population skews younger than many European countries

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Dynamics:

• Icelanders often have children outside of marriage—a social norm with no stigma

• Parental leave is equal and generous for both parents

• Families tend to be small (1–2 children), with strong government support for education and healthcare

Education, Language, and Religion

📚 Education:

• Literacy rate: 99%+

• Education is free and mandatory until age 16

• University education is government-supported

🗣️ Language:

• Primary language: Icelandic

• Nearly all Icelanders speak English fluently, especially younger generations

• Other languages include Polish, Lithuanian, and Danish (taught in schools)

⛪ Religion:

• Majority: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland

• Other communities: Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, and unaffiliated

• Church attendance is low, but cultural Christianity remains embedded

Iceland’s Population vs Tourism

Here’s where it gets wild:

• In 2023, Iceland welcomed 2.2 million tourists

• That’s over 5x the total population

• In peak months (July–August), there are more tourists than residents

📸 Tourism’s Impact:

• Boosts economy, but also strains infrastructure

• Leads to rising demand for foreign workers

• Makes the population feel even smaller outside tourist zones

Icelandic Identity – The Strength of Small Numbers

Despite its small size, Iceland has a powerful sense of identity rooted in:

• Sagas and storytelling – oral traditions are a cultural treasure

• Genealogy databases – Iceland tracks family trees better than any country

• Preservation of Icelandic language – nearly unchanged for 1,000+ years

• Shared culture – holidays, traditions, and music are unifying forces

In a country this small, social accountability is high. You may run into the same person at the bank, on a hike, and at a concert later that night.

The Future of Iceland’s Population

Looking ahead, Iceland is expected to grow steadily but slowly:

Challenges:

• Urban crowding in Reykjavik

• Maintaining rural communities

• Affordable housing shortages in popular areas

• Tourism sustainability

Still, Iceland is likely to remain a close-knit, progressive society with one of the highest qualities of life in the world.

If you like to read more, see what is the best to visit Iceland. Or see Iceland temperature in a month by month guide.