Papua New Guinea has a population of more than 10 million people, with official figures showing more males than females.

According to the 2024 National Population Census, it records a total population of 10,185,363 people, comprising 5,336,546 males and 4,848,817 females.

This was presented by National Statistical Office (NSO) today while commemorating World statistics Day 2026 under the theme “Promote Quality Statistics for Everyone”, and also with the official launch of the Provincial Census Figures Report from the 2024 National Population Census.

National Statistician Mr Alfred Mokae said that the quality official statistics are fundamental to good governance, evidence-based policymaking, effective resources allocation and improved public service delivery.

The Figure from the 2024 National Population Census provide a clearer picture of where Papua New Guineas live and the growing demand for government services across the country.

Statistics revealed that the Highlands region tops the chart with over 3 million people, following Momase and Southern with over 2 million people and last with Islands region with over 1 million people.

Mr Mokae described the census as a critical national development instrument, providing the Government with reliable population information to understand demographics, plan public investment and improve service delivery throughout the country.

Present at the event was Minister for Administrative Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Constitutional Matters, Richard Masere, representatives of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), development partners, provincial administrations and other stakeholders.

Mr Mokae thanked partners and emphasized that statistics are not exclusively for statisticians but are a public resource that must benefit policymakers, business, researchers, communities and every citizen.

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