New Zealand: Population, Economy & Travel Facts
Essential data for planning your trip to New Zealand — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.
Population & Geography
Population
4,885,500
#121 of 197 countries
Area
268,838 km²
#76 of 248 countries
Density
18.2 / km²
#203 of 245 countries
New Zealand has a population of 4,885,500 spread across 268,838 km², giving it an average density of 18.2 people per km². With such low density, expect wide open spaces and a sense of remoteness outside major cities.
Most Populous Cities
Demographics
Median Age
38.1
Life Expectancy
82.9 yrs
Government
parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector
Economy & Cost of Living
Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. New Zealand is classified as a high income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 90% of US levels, meaning costs are comparable to the United States.
Income Level
High income
GDP per Capita
$49,076
Cost of Living
90%
of US
Inflation
5.7%