The Country Where Sheep Outnumber People: Why New Zealand Became the Land of 25 Million Sheep

New Zealand has long been associated with rolling green hills, dramatic mountain landscapes, and—of course—sheep. It’s one of those quirky facts people love to bring up: “You know, there are more sheep in New Zealand than people.” And while the ratio has changed over the years, the idea remains true. But how did this small island nation end up with such an iconic woolly population, and why does it matter more than you might think?

To understand this unusual demographic imbalance, you have to go back to the 19th century, when Europeans first introduced sheep to New Zealand. The country’s mild climate, abundant rainfall, and vast open pastures made it the perfect environment for grazing animals. Early settlers quickly realized that sheep thrived here with minimal effort, often growing wool of higher quality than in many other parts of the world. By the late 1800s, New Zealand wasn’t just raising sheep—it was becoming a global wool powerhouse.

The real boom came with the invention of refrigerated shipping in the 1880s. Before this innovation, countries like New Zealand could only export wool or tallow because meat spoiled too quickly. But suddenly, frozen lamb and mutton could be shipped across the world, especially to the enormous British market. This single breakthrough transformed the country’s economy. Sheep farming was no longer just viable—it was wildly profitable. By the mid-20th century, New Zealand reached its peak sheep population: more than 70 million sheep, compared to just a few million people. At one point, there were nearly 22 sheep for every human being in the country.

Although the number has declined since the 1980s—today it’s closer to 25 million sheep versus 5 million people—the cultural impact remains. Sheep farming still shapes much of the nation’s identity and economy. Even the famous All Blacks rugby team once used a sheep-shearing demonstration for an advertisement, and the wool industry continues to support rural communities that might not survive without agriculture.

Another often-overlooked point is how sheep farming influenced New Zealand’s environment. Much of the country’s landscape was originally forest, but huge swaths were cleared to make way for grazing. This reshaping of the land brought both economic growth and ecological challenges. Soil erosion, species loss, and waterway degradation are all tied in part to pastoral farming. Today, New Zealand is actively balancing its agricultural heritage with modern sustainability goals—something the country takes very seriously.

There’s also an interesting twist to the modern story: wool isn’t as dominant as it once was. Synthetic fibers and shifting consumer preferences have reduced demand, meaning many farmers have shifted to dairy production, which now surpasses sheep in economic value. Yet sheep remain a key player, and New Zealand continues to produce some of the world’s finest merino wool—so soft and lightweight that it’s become the fabric of choice for high-performance clothing brands.

And then there's the cultural imagery. From films like The Lord of the Rings, showcasing flocks wandering through misty valleys, to the globally recognized “kiwi farmer” stereotype, sheep are woven into New Zealand’s national story. Many visitors expect to see them everywhere—and in many rural areas, they absolutely do. What tourists often don’t know is that New Zealanders celebrate the animal in quirky ways too, from sheepdog trials to an annual competition for the country’s fastest shearer.

So while the iconic ratio of sheep to people may not be as extreme as it once was, the essence remains: sheep helped shape New Zealand’s early economy, its rural culture, its landscapes, and even its international image. Learning about this relationship offers a glimpse into how a seemingly simple animal can influence a nation in ways that go far beyond the farm.

In the end, New Zealand isn’t just a place with a lot of sheep—it’s a place where sheep helped build a country.