WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s population increased by 1,891 people during 2025, reaching a total of 158,006 residents as of January 1, 2026, according to newly published figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).
The data, released this week on the CBS website, show that migration continues to be the primary driver of population growth on the island, while birth rates continue to decline.
According to CBS, the population figures are calculated annually using data from the Civil Registry in years when no census is conducted. The bureau analyzes records on births, deaths, immigration and emigration after cleaning the database to remove inconsistencies such as duplicate records.
Migration Drives Population Growth
The strongest contribution to population growth came from migration.
During 2025, a total of 5,902 people immigrated to Curaçao, while 3,487 people left the island. This resulted in a positive migration balance of 2,415 people, significantly exceeding the natural population growth generated by births and deaths.
The figures highlight the increasingly important role migration plays in sustaining Curaçao’s population growth, particularly as fertility rates continue to decline.
Fewer Babies Born
CBS reported that 1,029 children were born in Curaçao during 2025, representing a decline of 93 births compared to 2024.
The crude birth rate fell from 7.2 births per 1,000 inhabitants in 2024 to 6.6 births per 1,000 inhabitants in 2025.
Women between the ages of 30 and 34 accounted for the largest number of births, while the average age of mothers remained virtually unchanged at 29.4 years, compared to 29.5 years in 2024.
The continued decline in births reflects a trend that has been observed in many countries and territories, where families are having fewer children and populations are aging.
Deaths Continue to Outnumber Births
A total of 1,553 people died in Curaçao during 2025, including 776 men and 777 women.
The highest number of deaths occurred among residents aged 80 to 84 years, underscoring the island’s aging population profile.
Infant mortality remained relatively stable. The infant mortality rate stood at 11.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025, compared to 11.6 in the previous year.
Aging Population Remains a Challenge
The latest figures reinforce concerns about Curaçao’s demographic future. With births continuing to decline and deaths exceeding births, immigration has become increasingly important in maintaining population growth.
Demographers have repeatedly pointed out that an aging population can place additional pressure on healthcare services, pension systems and the labor market, while migration helps offset workforce shortages and supports economic activity.
The full population report, including detailed demographic tables and statistics, is available on the website of the Central Bureau of Statistics.