Ethiopia Population 2026
As of 2025, Ethiopia's population is estimated at 132,059,767, making it the most populous landlocked country in the world and the second most populous nation in Sub-Saharan Africa after Nigeria. The country has maintained a high annual growth rate of 2.62% in 2025, reflecting ongoing demographic expansion.
Population Trend (Ethiopia)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Ethiopia's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
Ethiopia's population has grown rapidly over the past decade, with a 10-year average growth rate of 2.71%, driven by high fertility rates and declining mortality. This growth places Ethiopia at the 10th global rank by population size, underscoring its significance as a demographic heavyweight in Sub-Saharan Africa. The country's youthful age structure—with a median age well below 20—means that even as growth rates moderate slightly, the absolute number of people continues to rise by millions each year. Regional context: Ethiopia's population dynamics are typical of the broader East African region, where many nations are experiencing similar high growth rates due to improving healthcare access and persistent high birth rates. However, Ethiopia's large land area and diverse geography mean that population density varies widely, from the densely populated highlands to the sparser lowlands. The 2025 figure of 132 million represents a net increase of roughly 3.4 million people from the previous year, a pace that poses both opportunities and challenges for infrastructure, food security, and economic development.
Key Facts
- Ethiopia's estimated population in 2025 is 132,059,767.
- The 1-year growth rate for 2025 is 2.62%.
- The average annual growth rate over the past 10 years is 2.71%.
- Ethiopia is the 10th most populous country in the world by global rank.
- Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Sub-Saharan Africa, after Nigeria.
- The population of Ethiopia increased by approximately 3.4 million people between 2024 and 2025.