Population of Sweden

Sweden has an estimated 2026 population of approximately 10.6 million, maintaining its position as the most populous nation in the Nordic region. The latest ranking places the country 92nd worldwide, 14th in Europe, and 2nd in Northern Europe. Current estimates show a modest growth trend supported largely by net migration, as the annual growth rate remains around 0.31%. While the nation is characterized by a low population density, its inhabitants are highly concentrated in urban centers, with 88.9% of people living in cities.

The population history of Sweden is marked by a dramatic shift from a nation of mass emigration to one of significant immigration. Between 1850 and 1930, approximately 1.5 million Swedes emigrated, primarily to the United States and Australia, to escape poverty and religious constraints. This 'Great Emigration' saw nearly 20% of the population depart, with a peak in 1887 when over 50,000 people left in a single year. These departures were driven by crop failures and a lack of economic opportunity in what was then a largely agricultural society. Following World War II, Sweden transitioned into a destination for international migrants, initially attracting labor from neighboring Nordic countries, Italy, Greece, and the former Yugoslavia to support its industrial boom. The late 20th century and early 21st century saw a shift toward humanitarian migration, including significant arrivals from the Balkans in the 1990s and a record peak during the 2015 refugee crisis, when more than 162,000 asylum seekers entered the country. Today, more than one in four residents has a foreign background, reflecting decades of diverse immigration patterns.

Sweden's current population growth is characterized by a slow but steady increase of approximately 0.31% annually. This growth is predominantly driven by net migration rather than natural increase, as the crude birth rate of 9.3 per 1,000 people only slightly exceeds the crude death rate of 8.6 per 1,000. Recent data indicates that without positive net migration, the population would remain nearly stagnant or begin to decline due to the prevailing low fertility levels. The fertility rate stands at 1.43 births per woman, which is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1. While Sweden has historically maintained higher fertility rates than many of its European peers through robust family support policies, recent trends show a decline to historical lows. Projections suggest the population will continue to rise slowly, potentially exceeding 11 million by the early 2040s, though the pace of growth is expected to decelerate as the society continues to age.

The current estimated population density is 26.1 people per km² (67.6 people per sq mi), making Sweden one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe.

Approximately 88.9% of the population resides in urban areas, reflecting a highly centralized society where the majority of residents live in the southern third of the country.

In the regional context of Northern Europe, Sweden holds the 2nd rank out of 12 countries, sitting significantly ahead of its Scandinavian neighbors. Its estimated 2026 population of 10.6 million is approximately double that of Norway, Finland, or Denmark, which each have populations hovering between 5.5 million and 6 million. Globally, Sweden's rank of 92nd puts it in a similar tier to countries like Portugal or the United Arab Emirates. Despite having the largest total population in the Nordic region, Sweden remains sparsely populated compared to the rest of Europe. It ranks 43rd of 47 European nations for population density, reflecting the vast, uninhabited forest and mountain regions in the north. This contrasts sharply with Denmark, which is much smaller in land area but significantly more densely populated.