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Quick facts
Vatican City population overview
Vatican City is the 50th most populous of 50 countries and territories in Europe. The United Nations put the population at 1,315 on 1 January 2026; with an annual growth rate of +1.4% the live estimate on this page rises by roughly 0 people per day.
Over a full year that means about 6 births (4.4 per 1,000 people) and 32 deaths (24.7 per 1,000), plus net immigration of roughly 34 people. The infant mortality rate is 5.7 per 1,000 live births.
UN World Population Prospects data show the population grew from 975 in 1950 to 1,305 in 2025 — a change of +33.8%, or +0.4% per year on average. The population is at its all-time high today.
Demographically, the median age is 56.2 years; life expectancy at birth is 83.4 years.
Vatican City population statistics (2026)
| Population (live, October 2026) | 1,329 |
|---|---|
| UN estimate, 1 Jan 2026 | 1,315 |
| World rank | #238 of 238 |
| Rank in Europe | #50 of 50 |
| Share of world population | less than 0.001% |
| Annual growth rate | +1.4% |
| Births per year est. | 6 |
| Deaths per year est. | 32 |
| Net migration per year est. | +34 |
| Birth rate | 4.4 per 1,000 |
| Death rate | 24.7 per 1,000 |
| Infant mortality | 5.7 per 1,000 births |
| Sex ratio | 91.5 males per 100 females |
| Median age | 56.2 years |
| Life expectancy | 83.4 years |
Vatican City population by year
| Year | Population | Change | Annual growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 (live, UN-based) | 1,329 | – | – |
| 2025 | 1,305 | +40 | +0.6% |
| 2020 | 1,265 | +40 | +0.6% |
| 2015 | 1,225 | +50 | +0.8% |
| 2010 | 1,175 | +50 | +0.9% |
| 2005 | 1,125 | +50 | +0.9% |
| 2000 | 1,075 | +25 | +0.5% |
| 1995 | 1,050 | +50 | +1% |
| 1990 | 1,000 | +50 | +1% |
| 1985 | 950 | +25 | +0.5% |
| 1980 | 925 | -25 | -0.5% |
| 1975 | 950 | -25 | -0.5% |
| 1970 | 975 | -50 | -1% |
| 1965 | 1,025 | +0 | +0% |
| 1960 | 1,025 | +25 | +0.5% |
| 1955 | 1,000 | +25 | +0.5% |
| 1950 | 975 | – | – |
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 Vatican City
Detailed indicators
International organizations don't publish detailed statistical series (CO₂, energy, water, economy) for Vatican City — 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 975 in 1950 to 1,329 today — up 36.3%.
- The population is at its all-time high right now.
- Average change over the last 50 years of data: +0.6% per year.
Vatican City in the news
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Vatican City in 2026?
As of October 2026, Vatican City has an estimated population of 1,329. The United Nations estimated 1,315 residents on 1 January 2026; the live figure on this page extrapolates that estimate using the +1.4% annual growth rate.
Is the population of Vatican City growing or shrinking?
It is growing at +1.4% per year — roughly 0 more people every day. Each year there are about 6 births and 32 deaths, with net migration of +34.
What is the median age in Vatican City?
The median age is 56.2 years, and life expectancy at birth is 83.4 years.
How does Vatican City rank by population?
Vatican City is the 238th most populous of 238 countries and territories worldwide and the 50th in Europe, with less than 0.001% of the global population.
How has the population of Vatican City changed over time?
In 1950 the population was 975; by 2025 it had grown to 1,305 (+33.8%). The year-by-year table above lists the full UN World Population Prospects series.
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MontserratSources & method: the live population is a linear extrapolation of the UN World Population Prospects estimate for 1 January 2026 using the annual growth rate (+1.4%); 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.