The graph illustrates changes in the age structure of Iceland’s population between 1990 and 2020, divided into three age groups.
Overall, the working-age population remained the largest group throughout the period, while the proportion of elderly people increased steadily. In contrast, the share of children showed a slight decline.
In 1990, people aged 15-64 accounted for the majority of the population. Although this group continued to dominate in 2020, its proportion fell slightly over the 30-year period. Meanwhile, the population aged 65 and over rose gradually, indicating an ageing population. By 2020, this group represented a noticeably larger share than in 1990.
Conversely, the percentage of children aged 0-14 decreased modestly over time. While this age group formed a significant portion of the population at the beginning of the period, its share was smaller by 2020.
In summary, Iceland experienced a gradual demographic shift between 1990 and 2020, characterised by population ageing, a slight reduction in the working-age group, and a decline in the proportion of children.
