Ethiopia's population is projected to reach 135.5 million in 2025, with an annual growth rate of 2.55%. This represents a significant increase from 2020's population of 118.92 million, showing a consistent upward trend despite a gradual slowdown in growth rate.
The country's demographic transition continues with declining fertility rates (projected at 3.7 births per woman in 2025) and improving life expectancy (66.8 years in 2025). Urbanization is accelerating, with the urban population expected to reach 22.5% of the total by 2025.
| Year | Population (M) | Growth (%) | Birth Rate | Death Rate | Net Migration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 118.92 | 2.71 | 32.8 | 7.2 | -0.5 |
| 2021 | 122.14 | 2.67 | 32.3 | 7.1 | -0.5 |
| 2022 | 125.38 | 2.62 | 31.9 | 7.0 | -0.5 |
| 2023 | 128.69 | 2.60 | 31.5 | 6.9 | -0.6 |
| 2024 | 132.06 | 2.58 | 31.1 | 6.8 | -0.7 |
| 2025 | 135.50 | 2.55 | 30.7 | 6.7 | -0.7 |
| 2026 | 138.98 | 2.52 | 30.5 | 6.6 | -0.7 |
| 2027 | 142.53 | 2.49 | 30.2 | 6.5 | -0.8 |
| 2028 | 146.14 | 2.46 | 30.0 | 6.4 | -0.8 |
| 2029 | 149.81 | 2.43 | 29.7 | 6.3 | -0.9 |
| 2030 | 153.54 | 2.40 | 29.5 | 6.2 | -0.9 |
Source: World Bank/UN estimates via FRED
Ethiopia's population distribution remains highly uneven, with significant concentration in the highland regions. Oromia continues to be the most populous region with an estimated 40.9 million people in 2025, followed by Amhara with 23.2 million.
Addis Ababa maintains the highest population density at approximately 7,100 persons/km² in 2025, while the Somali and Afar regions continue to have the lowest densities due to arid conditions. Regional development disparities remain a significant challenge for balanced national growth.
| Region | Population (M) | Area (km²) | Density | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oromia | 40.9 | 284,538 | 144 | 2.8% |
| Amhara | 23.2 | 154,709 | 150 | 2.7% |
| SNNPR | 21.8 | 112,343 | 194 | 2.9% |
| Tigray | 5.8 | 50,079 | 116 | 2.6% |
| Somali | 6.7 | 350,000 | 19 | 2.4% |
| Afar | 2.1 | 72,795 | 29 | 2.5% |
| Addis Ababa | 3.95 | 527 | 7,495 | 3.8% |
Source: Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia
Ethiopia continues to have a very young population, with 43.2% of its population under the age of 15. This youthful demographic profile presents both opportunities and challenges for the country's development.
The working-age population (15-64) constitutes 53.5% of the total, while the elderly population (65+) remains relatively small at 3.3%. This demographic dividend could boost economic growth if properly harnessed through education and employment opportunities.
Source: World Bank/UN Population Division
Ethiopia has made significant progress in education, with the literacy rate reaching 52.0% in 2025. However, substantial gender and regional disparities persist, with male literacy at 57.0% compared to female literacy at 47.0%.
Primary school enrollment has improved dramatically, reaching 95% net enrollment rate, but secondary and tertiary education enrollment rates remain lower at 42% and 12% respectively.
Source: UNESCO/World Bank literacy statistics
Ethiopia's labor force is estimated at 50.0 million in 2025, with an unemployment rate of 19.2%. Youth unemployment remains particularly high at 25.7%, presenting a significant challenge for the country's development.
The informal sector continues to dominate employment, accounting for approximately 85% of total employment. Agriculture remains the largest employer at 70% of the workforce, though this share has been gradually declining.
Source: ILO/World Bank labor estimates, Ethiopian Labour Survey (ESS)
Ethiopia has made significant improvements in health outcomes, with life expectancy reaching 66.8 years in 2025 (up from 63.8 in 2015). However, challenges remain, particularly in maternal and child health.
The under-five mortality rate has declined to 46 deaths per 1,000 live births, while maternal mortality remains high at 320 deaths per 100,000 live births. Access to healthcare has improved, with 85% of the population living within 10km of a health facility.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS)
Ethiopia is urbanizing rapidly, with the urban population projected to reach 30.5 million (22.5% of total) in 2025. Addis Ababa remains the largest urban center with 3.95 million residents, followed by Dire Dawa, Mekelle, and Adama.
Internal migration continues to be dominated by rural-to-urban movement, with an estimated 1.2 million people moving to urban areas annually. International migration shows a net outflow, with approximately 700,000 Ethiopians living abroad, primarily in the Middle East, North America, and Europe.
| City | Population | Growth Rate | Region | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addis Ababa | 3,950,000 | 3.8% | Addis Ababa | 7,495 |
| Dire Dawa | 640,000 | 2.9% | Dire Dawa | 2,800 |
| Mekelle | 520,000 | 4.2% | Tigray | 5,200 |
| Adama | 480,000 | 3.5% | Oromia | 4,800 |
| Gondar | 420,000 | 3.1% | Amhara | 4,200 |
Source: Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia, UNHCR, IOM
Our demographic data is compiled from the following official and international sources:
We strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information available.