A report published by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) predicts that the population of the Netherlands will continue to grow over the next 45 years and will reach 18 million people by 2026. The report shows that the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on population size will be short-lived. 

CBS Population Forecast 2020 - 2070

Due to a high excess mortality rate and a relatively low level of migration, population growth in the Netherlands has been limited in 2020. However, CBS expects the number of inhabitants to increase to 20 million by 2063. 

In their Population Forecast for 2020 to 2070, CBS states that migration is expected to pick up again over the coming years, with the availability of an effective vaccine in the new year playing a significant role in lifting travel restrictions and allowing for emigration and immigration to resume. 

While population growth may have halved in 2020 - the population increased by 63.000 people this year compared to 126.000 in 2019 - CBS expects the Dutch population to grow by over 100.000 people in 2022, with the country reaching a population of 18 million by 2026, and 19 million by 2038. 

Migration and life expectancy to contribute to Dutch population growth

In the report, CBS attributes this population growth in the most part to immigration and a longer life expectancy. This increased lifespan will push the Netherlands towards an ageing population over the coming decades, with the proportion of people aged over 65 rising from 20 percent at the end of 2020 to 25 percent by 2040. 

As for the impact of migration on the Dutch population, CBS expects that, by 2070, 42 percent of people living the Netherlands will have a migration background, compared to 25 percent at the end of 2020. 

For more information or to read the full report, visit the CBS website.