The Netherlands's Total Population from 1990 to 2023

Population Growth Trends in the Netherlands (1990-2023)
The Netherlands experienced steady population growth, from around 14.9 million in 1990 to over 17.8 million by 2023. This growth has been fueled by positive net migration and natural increases, particularly in the 2000s when the population exceeded 16 million. Policies encouraging immigration to address labor shortages have supported demographic expansion. From 2010 onwards, growth continued gradually as urbanization and quality healthcare extended life expectancy. Although birth rates have declined recently, the population still grows due to immigration, making the Netherlands one of the more densely populated European nations with ongoing demands on housing and infrastructure.