Quick facts
Taiwan population overview
Taiwan is the 24th most populous of 52 countries and territories in Asia. The United Nations put the population at 23,062,762 on 1 January 2026; with an annual growth rate of -0.4% the live estimate on this page falls by roughly 278 people per day.
Over a full year that means about 122,233 births (5.3 per 1,000 people) and 209,871 deaths (9.1 per 1,000), and net emigration of roughly 16,144 people. The infant mortality rate is 2.9 per 1,000 live births.
UN World Population Prospects data show the population grew from 7,607,765 in 1950 to 23,156,397 in 2025 — a change of +204.4%, or +1.5% per year on average. It peaked at 23,616,730 in 2020 and has declined 2.7% since.
Demographically, the median age is 45.4 years; life expectancy at birth is 81.1 years.
Taiwan population statistics (2026)
| Population (live, October 2026) | 22,981,837 |
|---|---|
| UN estimate, 1 Jan 2026 | 23,062,762 |
| World rank | #61 of 238 |
| Rank in Asia | #24 of 52 |
| Share of world population | 0.3% |
| Annual growth rate | -0.4% |
| Births per year est. | 122,233 |
| Deaths per year est. | 209,871 |
| Net migration per year est. | -16,144 |
| Birth rate | 5.3 per 1,000 |
| Death rate | 9.1 per 1,000 |
| Infant mortality | 2.9 per 1,000 births |
| Sex ratio | 97.7 males per 100 females |
| Median age | 45.4 years |
| Life expectancy | 81.1 years |
Taiwan population by year
| Year | Population | Change | Annual growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 (live, UN-based) | 22,981,837 | – | – |
| 2025 | 23,156,397 | -460,333 | -0.4% |
| 2020 | 23,616,730 | +109,603 | +0.1% |
| 2015 | 23,507,127 | +325,102 | +0.3% |
| 2010 | 23,182,025 | +404,559 | +0.4% |
| 2005 | 22,777,466 | +518,531 | +0.5% |
| 2000 | 22,258,935 | +839,687 | +0.8% |
| 1995 | 21,419,248 | +945,295 | +0.9% |
| 1990 | 20,473,953 | +1,059,109 | +1.1% |
| 1985 | 19,414,844 | +1,469,084 | +1.6% |
| 1980 | 17,945,760 | +1,688,126 | +2% |
| 1975 | 16,257,634 | +1,511,761 | +2% |
| 1970 | 14,745,873 | +1,869,472 | +2.7% |
| 1965 | 12,876,401 | +1,957,272 | +3.4% |
| 1960 | 10,919,129 | +1,828,062 | +3.7% |
| 1955 | 9,091,067 | +1,483,302 | +3.6% |
| 1950 | 7,607,765 | – | – |
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 Taiwan
Detailed indicators
International organizations don't publish detailed statistical series (CO₂, energy, water, economy) for Taiwan — 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 7,607,765 in 1950 to 22,981,837 today — up 202.1%.
- Population peaked at 23,616,730 in 2020 and is down 2.7% since.
- Average change over the last 50 years of data: +0.7% per year.
Taiwan in the news
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Taiwan in 2026?
As of October 2026, Taiwan has an estimated population of 22,981,837. The United Nations estimated 23,062,762 residents on 1 January 2026; the live figure on this page extrapolates that estimate using the -0.4% annual growth rate.
Is the population of Taiwan growing or shrinking?
It is shrinking at -0.4% per year — roughly 278 fewer people every day. Each year there are about 122,233 births and 209,871 deaths, with net migration of -16,144.
What is the median age in Taiwan?
The median age is 45.4 years, and life expectancy at birth is 81.1 years.
How does Taiwan rank by population?
Taiwan is the 61st most populous of 238 countries and territories worldwide and the 24th in Asia, with 0.3% of the global population.
How has the population of Taiwan changed over time?
In 1950 the population was 7,607,765; by 2025 it had grown to 23,156,397 (+204.4%). The year-by-year table above lists the full UN World Population Prospects series.
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Burkina FasoSources & method: the live population is a linear extrapolation of the UN World Population Prospects estimate for 1 January 2026 using the annual growth rate (-0.4%); 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.