Quick facts
Saint Helena population overview
Saint Helena is the 58th most populous of 58 countries and territories in Africa. The United Nations put the population at 5,989 on 1 January 2026; with an annual growth rate of -1.1% the live estimate on this page falls by roughly 0 people per day.
Over a full year that means about 43 births (7.1 per 1,000 people) and 104 deaths (17.3 per 1,000), plus net immigration of roughly 0 people. The infant mortality rate is 11.2 per 1,000 live births.
UN World Population Prospects data show the population grew from 5,162 in 1950 to 5,955 in 2025 — a change of +15.4%, or +0.2% per year on average. It peaked at 6,784 in 1990 and has declined 12.5% since.
Demographically, the median age is 51 years; life expectancy at birth is 77.3 years.
Saint Helena population statistics (2026)
| Population (live, October 2026) | 5,934 |
|---|---|
| UN estimate, 1 Jan 2026 | 5,989 |
| World rank | #233 of 238 |
| Rank in Africa | #58 of 58 |
| Share of world population | less than 0.001% |
| Annual growth rate | -1.1% |
| Births per year est. | 43 |
| Deaths per year est. | 104 |
| Net migration per year est. | +0 |
| Birth rate | 7.1 per 1,000 |
| Death rate | 17.3 per 1,000 |
| Infant mortality | 11.2 per 1,000 births |
| Sex ratio | 97.6 males per 100 females |
| Median age | 51 years |
| Life expectancy | 77.3 years |
Saint Helena population by year
| Year | Population | Change | Annual growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 (live, UN-based) | 5,934 | – | – |
| 2025 | 5,955 | +365 | +1.3% |
| 2020 | 5,590 | +37 | +0.1% |
| 2015 | 5,553 | +238 | +0.9% |
| 2010 | 5,315 | -257 | -0.9% |
| 2005 | 5,572 | -636 | -2.1% |
| 2000 | 6,208 | -341 | -1.1% |
| 1995 | 6,549 | -235 | -0.7% |
| 1990 | 6,784 | +32 | +0.1% |
| 1985 | 6,752 | +306 | +0.9% |
| 1980 | 6,446 | +207 | +0.7% |
| 1975 | 6,239 | +226 | +0.7% |
| 1970 | 6,013 | +175 | +0.6% |
| 1965 | 5,838 | +457 | +1.6% |
| 1960 | 5,381 | +102 | +0.4% |
| 1955 | 5,279 | +117 | +0.4% |
| 1950 | 5,162 | – | – |
Change and annual growth are measured against the previous row; growth is annualized where rows are five years apart. The live row extrapolates the UN estimate and is not directly comparable with the UN World Population Prospects series.
About Saint Helena
Detailed indicators
International organizations don't publish detailed statistical series (CO₂, energy, water, economy) for Saint Helena — this is normal for small territories and a few special cases. The live counters above run on the latest UN-based estimates, and the population history below comes from the UN World Population Prospects.
Population over time
- From 5,162 in 1950 to 5,934 today — up 15%.
- Population peaked at 6,784 in 1990 and is down 12.5% since.
- Average change over the last 50 years of data: -0.1% per year.
Saint Helena in the news
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Saint Helena in 2026?
As of October 2026, Saint Helena has an estimated population of 5,934. The United Nations estimated 5,989 residents on 1 January 2026; the live figure on this page extrapolates that estimate using the -1.1% annual growth rate.
Is the population of Saint Helena growing or shrinking?
It is shrinking at -1.1% per year — roughly 0 fewer people every day. Each year there are about 43 births and 104 deaths, with net migration of +0.
What is the median age in Saint Helena?
The median age is 51 years, and life expectancy at birth is 77.3 years.
How does Saint Helena rank by population?
Saint Helena is the 233rd most populous of 238 countries and territories worldwide and the 58th in Africa, with less than 0.001% of the global population.
How has the population of Saint Helena changed over time?
In 1950 the population was 5,162; by 2025 it had grown to 5,955 (+15.4%). The year-by-year table above lists the full UN World Population Prospects series.
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TokelauSources & method: the live population is a linear extrapolation of the UN World Population Prospects estimate for 1 January 2026 using the annual growth rate (-1.1%); births, deaths and migration counters apply the UN crude rates to the live figure. Historical series, area, GDP and other indicators are from the UN World Population Prospects; the encyclopedic summary is from Wikipedia. Figures are statistical estimates, not census counts. Page generated 2026-10-19. More about our data.