What is the population of Stockholm?
Stockholm's metropolitan area has about 1,657,000 people, making it the 125th largest metro area in our dataset of 140 major cities.
In Sweden · Also known as Venice of the North, Beauty on Water
Metro population
1,657,000
0.020% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
+0.85%
About 39 people a day
Archive estimateDensity
4,395/km²
377 km² metro area
City proper
1,515,017
Within the administrative boundary
GeoNamesAbout Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, with 1 million residents and 2.4 million in the metro area. Built on 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is often called 'Venice of the North.' The city is a global leader in sustainability, innovation (Spotify, Skype), and design, combining natural beauty with cutting-edge modernity.
Key Facts
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Stockholm-Bromma AirportBMA
8 km from the city centre
- Stockholm-Arlanda AirportARN
36 km from the city centre
- Stockholm Västerås AirportVST
86 km from the city centre
- Stockholm Skavsta AirportNYO
89 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Stockholm was founded in 1252 and became Sweden's capital, growing as a Baltic trade center. The city expanded under the Swedish Empire (17th century). Industrialization transformed it in the 19th-20th centuries. Sweden's neutrality in WWII preserved the city. Post-war development created the Swedish model of social democracy. The tech boom made Stockholm a startup hub.
Economy
Stockholm is Sweden's economic engine and one of Europe's leading tech hubs. Major companies include Spotify, Ericsson, H&M, and IKEA (nearby). Key sectors include finance, IT, life sciences, and gaming. The city produces more billion-dollar startups per capita than anywhere except Silicon Valley. High wages match high costs.
Culture
Stockholm culture combines nature appreciation, design excellence, and innovation. The Vasa Museum (preserved warship), ABBA Museum, and Nobel Prize ceremonies are icons. Swedish design influences furniture, fashion, and tech. The archipelago (30,000 islands) is central to life. Cuisine has evolved from traditional to New Nordic. Fika (coffee breaks) are sacred.
Transportation
Stockholm Metro (Tunnelbana) is famous for its art stations—called 'world's longest art gallery.' Extensive bus, tram, and commuter rail networks serve the region. Ferries connect islands. Stockholm Arlanda Airport is a Scandinavian hub. Trains connect to Copenhagen and Norway. The city is bikeable but car-centric outer areas exist.
Current Challenges
Stockholm faces severe housing crisis with years-long waiting lists, high cost of living, integration of immigrants (segregation in suburbs), gang violence in some areas, and climate change impacts. Maintaining the welfare state amid demographic and fiscal pressures is ongoing. Traffic congestion persists despite tolls.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Gamla Stan (Old Town)
- Royal Palace
- Vasa Museum
- City Hall (Nobel Prize banquet venue)
- Stockholm Archipelago
- ABBA Museum
- Djurgården island
- Moderna Museet
- Fotografiska
What Stockholm Is Known For
- Tech startups
- Design
- Islands
- Nobel Prize
- ABBA
- Sustainability
Universities
- Stockholm University
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology
- Stockholm School of Economics
Sports Teams
- AIK
- Djurgårdens IF
- Hammarby IF (football and hockey)
Interesting Facts
- Stockholm Metro is called 'the world's longest art gallery'—90 of 100 stations have art
- Sweden produces more music per capita than any country except the US
- Stockholm has over 30,000 islands in its archipelago
- The Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm (except Peace)
- IKEA, Spotify, Skype, and H&M are Swedish
- Stockholm has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other Scandinavian city
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
Metropolitan population against the fifteen largest metro areas.
| Name | Metro population |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 37.4M |
| Delhi | 32.9M |
| Shanghai | 29.2M |
| São Paulo | 22.6M |
| Dhaka | 22.5M |
| Mexico City | 22.3M |
| Cairo | 22.2M |
| Mumbai | 21.7M |
| Beijing | 21.5M |
| Osaka | 19M |
| New York | 18.9M |
| Karachi | 17.1M |
| Kinshasa | 17.1M |
| Chongqing | 16.9M |
| Lagos | 15.9M |
| Stockholm | 1.66M |
Population Trend in Sweden
No free source publishes metropolitan population back to 1950, so the parent country's series is shown instead.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 7,016,565 |
| 1960 | 7,484,596 |
| 1970 | 8,042,780 |
| 1980 | 8,310,469 |
| 1990 | 8,558,567 |
| 2000 | 8,872,101 |
| 2010 | 9,378,232 |
| 2020 | 10,353,686 |
| 2030 | 10,841,810 |
| 2040 | 11,078,602 |
| 2050 | 11,309,630 |
| 2060 | 11,391,496 |
| 2070 | 11,403,528 |
| 2080 | 11,431,817 |
| 2090 | 11,392,754 |
| 2100 | 11,366,896 |
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities in our dataset by great-circle distance.
- Helsinki
396 km · Finland
- Oslo
417 km · Norway
- Copenhagen
522 km · Denmark
- Saint Petersburg
691 km · Russia
- Berlin
810 km · Germany
- Warsaw
810 km · Poland
Stockholm Population FAQ
What is the difference between Stockholm's city and metro population?
About 1,515,017 people live within the city proper, while the wider metropolitan area holds roughly 1,657,000. Metro figures include surrounding commuter areas that fall outside the city's administrative boundary.
Is Stockholm growing or shrinking?
Stockholm is growing at +0.85% a year.
What share of Sweden's population lives in Stockholm?
Stockholm's metro area holds about 15.6% of Sweden's total population.
How densely populated is Stockholm?
Stockholm has roughly 4,395 people per km² across a metro area of about 377 km².
Which airports serve Stockholm?
The nearest major airports are Stockholm-Bromma Airport (BMA), Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN), Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST).
Which country is Stockholm in?
Stockholm is in Sweden, in Europe.
Explore More Cities
- #1 TokyoJapan · 37.4M · −0.14%
- #2 DelhiIndia · 32.9M · +2.78%
- #3 ShanghaiChina · 29.2M · +0.86%
- #4 São PauloBrazil · 22.6M · +0.75%
- #5 DhakaBangladesh · 22.5M · +2.89%
- #6 Mexico CityMexico · 22.3M · +0.80%