Hong Kong SAR, China Population 2026

Overview

Hong Kong SAR, China is a densely populated special administrative region located on the southern coast of China. With a 2025 population of 7.52 million, it ranks 103rd globally by population size. The territory is classified as a high-income economy and falls within the East Asia & Pacific region, a dynamic area that includes both rapidly growing and mature economies.

Demographic trends in Hong Kong show a recent shift toward population contraction. The 1-year growth rate of -0.16% indicates a net decrease, likely driven by emigration and low fertility rates. However, the 10-year average growth rate of 0.40% suggests that over the past decade, the population has generally increased, albeit modestly. This contrast highlights the volatility in migration patterns and natural change in recent years.

Hong Kong's population density is among the highest in the world, concentrated in urban areas along Victoria Harbour. As a global financial hub, its demographic profile is shaped by international migration, an aging population, and a low birth rate. The territory's high-income status correlates with advanced healthcare and education systems, which contribute to longer life expectancy but also to a shrinking working-age population.

In the broader East Asia & Pacific context, Hong Kong's population size is relatively small compared to mainland China or Indonesia, but its economic significance is outsized. The slight decline in 2025 may reflect ongoing social and political factors, though the long-term average growth remains slightly positive. Monitoring these trends is essential for understanding the region's demographic future.

Key Facts

• Latest population (2025): 7,524,100
• 1-year growth rate: -0.16% (population decline)
• 10-year average growth rate: 0.40%
• Global population rank: #103
• Income group: High income
• Region: East Asia & Pacific