Ethiopia Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 10th most populous · Low income
Population right now (estimate)
139,977,271
The population of Ethiopia is about 139,977,271 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 139 million for 2026 as a whole — 1.68% of the world's people.
Ethiopia is one of the ten most populous countries on Earth (10th). Its population is growing fast — about 2.5% a year, roughly 9,636 more people every day. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 225 million. That is 6.5 times its 1960 population of 21.4 million. Population density is 124 people per square kilometre. 24% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
139 million
Yearly change
+2.53%
World rank
10th
Share of world
1.68%
Density
124/km²
Land area
1,122,135 km²
Life expectancy
67.6 yrs
Births per woman
3.91
Population of Ethiopia, 1960–2050
Ethiopia population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 21,376,693 | — | 19 |
| 1970 | 27,829,128 | +2.79% | 25 |
| 1980 | 34,428,514 | +0.55% | 31 |
| 1990 | 47,609,755 | +3.77% | 42 |
| 2000 | 67,411,494 | +3.12% | 60 |
| 2010 | 90,538,514 | +2.88% | 81 |
| 2020 | 118,917,671 | +2.75% | 106 |
| 2024 | 132,059,767 | +2.62% | 118 |
| 2026proj. | 138,902,185 | +2.53% | 124 |
| 2030proj. | 152,855,357 | +2.36% | 136 |
| 2040proj. | 188,450,902 | +1.96% | 168 |
| 2050proj. | 225,021,875 | +1.65% | 201 |
Ethiopia vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 1.3 times as many people as Ethiopia. Bangladesh is 11.0 times more densely populated.
Ethiopia population: questions and answers
What is the population of Ethiopia in 2026?
About 138,902,185 (139 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Ethiopia's population growing?
Yes, by about 2.53% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Ethiopia?
About 124 people per km², with a land area of 1,122,135 km².
What will the population of Ethiopia be in 2050?
About 225 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Ethiopia?
Addis Ababa.
What is the life expectancy in Ethiopia?
67.6 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.