Understanding the demographic characteristics of the NT is an important component of policy development and improved service delivery. Changes in population also influence funding and resource allocations. In 2018, the Northern Territory Government defined six regions (NT Regions) for service provision and reporting. These regions are: Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield; Top End; East Arnhem; Big Rivers; Central Australia; and Barkly. The fact sheet summarises population changes from 1986 to 2016 overall and for each region.