Eritrea Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 131st most populous · Low income
Population right now (estimate)
3,706,801
The population of Eritrea is about 3,706,801 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 3.7 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.04% of the world's people.
Eritrea is ranked 131st of 217 by population. Its population is growing fast — about 2.1% a year, roughly 212 more people every day. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 5.7 million. That is 3.8 times its 1960 population of 973 thousand. Population density is 30 people per square kilometre. 35% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
3.7 million
Yearly change
+2.10%
World rank
131st
Share of world
0.04%
Density
30/km²
Land area
120,800 km²
Life expectancy
68.9 yrs
Births per woman
3.68
GDP per capita
—
GDP
—
Population of Eritrea, 1960–2050
Eritrea population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 972,547 | — | 8 |
| 1970 | 1,243,453 | +2.59% | 10 |
| 1980 | 1,605,797 | +2.72% | 13 |
| 1990 | 2,032,737 | +2.30% | 17 |
| 2000 | 2,247,031 | +1.55% | 19 |
| 2010 | 2,945,186 | +1.98% | 24 |
| 2020 | 3,291,271 | +1.58% | 27 |
| 2024 | 3,535,603 | +1.88% | 29 |
| 2026proj. | 3,682,669 | +2.10% | 30 |
| 2030proj. | 4,002,672 | +2.10% | 33 |
| 2040proj. | 4,868,676 | +1.85% | 40 |
| 2050proj. | 5,696,062 | +1.40% | 47 |
Eritrea vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 48.3 times as many people as Eritrea. Bangladesh is 44.8 times more densely populated.
Eritrea population: questions and answers
What is the population of Eritrea in 2026?
About 3,682,669 (3.7 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Eritrea's population growing?
Yes, by about 2.10% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Eritrea?
About 30 people per km², with a land area of 120,800 km².
What will the population of Eritrea be in 2050?
About 5.7 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Eritrea?
Asmara.
What is the life expectancy in Eritrea?
68.9 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.