The New Zealand sheep population stands at 23.6 million, while the human population is approximately 5.3 million, resulting in a ratio of about 4.5 sheep per person. According to statistics, this is a significant decline from 1982, when there were 22 sheep per person. “With a population of 23.6 million sheep and 5.3 million people, there are about 4.5 sheep for each New Zealander, the statistic showed.” This decline is attributed to changes in the agricultural industry, particularly in the sheep farming sector.
In the past, farming sheep for meat and wool was New Zealand’s biggest earner. However, years of falling wool prices, prompted by a global shift to synthetic fibers, have led farmers to change their land use strategies. “That’s down from 22 sheep per person in 1982, when farming sheep for meat and wool was New Zealand’s biggest earner.” The shift away from wool production has resulted in farmers diversifying their operations to remain profitable.
The sector’s biggest lobby group noted that humans are gradually trying to catch up with the sheep population. As the country’s economy and population continue to grow, the ratio of sheep to humans is expected to decline further. “Now, years of falling wool prices prompted by a global shift to synthetic fibers have led farmers to change what they do with their land, the sector’s biggest lobby group said.” This change in land use has likely contributed to the decline in the sheep population.
Despite the decline, New Zealand is still one of a handful of countries in the world that’s home to more sheep than people. “The country is one of a handful in the world that’s still home to more sheep than people, but humans are catching up, according to new figures released Tuesday.” The vast number of sheep in New Zealand relative to its human population has long been the subject of jokes aimed at New Zealanders abroad.
The sheep population has become an integral part of New Zealand’s identity, and the country’s agricultural industry continues to play a significant role in its economy. However, the shift away from wool production and the decline in the sheep population suggest that the industry is adapting to changing market demands.
In conclusion, New Zealand’s sheep population outnumbers its human population by a significant margin, but the ratio is declining due to changes in the agricultural industry. As the country’s economy and population continue to grow, the ratio of sheep to humans is expected to decline further.