Ethiopia has a population of approximately 130 million people in 2025, making it the 11th most populous country in the world and the second most populous in Africa, behind only Nigeria. This vast and youthful population is spread across the highlands, river valleys, and lowlands of the Horn of Africa, growing by more than three million people every year.
How Many People Live in Ethiopia?
At around 130 million inhabitants, Ethiopia is home to roughly one in every sixty-five people on Earth. Only ten countries — including China, India, the United States, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Nigeria — have larger populations. Within Africa, Ethiopia trails only Nigeria, and the gap between the two is narrowing as both nations continue to expand rapidly.
The scale of this growth is remarkable when viewed historically. In 1950, Ethiopia had just 18 million residents. By 1990 that figure had climbed to roughly 48 million, and it has nearly tripled in the 35 years since. This makes Ethiopia one of the fastest-growing major populations on the planet, and demographers expect it to remain among the world's ten most populous countries for decades to come.
Population Growth and Future Projections
Ethiopia's population is currently expanding at an annual rate of about 2.55%, which translates to roughly 3.3 million additional people each year — comparable to adding a city the size of Berlin annually. This is among the highest growth rates of any large country.
The fertility rate has fallen substantially, from around seven children per woman in the early 1990s to approximately four today. Even so, this remains well above the replacement level of about 2.1, so the population will keep climbing for the foreseeable future. United Nations projections suggest Ethiopia could reach around 205 million people by 2050. Government investment in healthcare, family planning, education, and rural infrastructure has helped slow growth, but fertility remains highest in rural regions, where most Ethiopians still live.
A Remarkably Young Population
One of the defining features of Ethiopia's demographics is its youth. The median age is roughly 19 years, meaning half the population is younger than that — one of the lowest median ages anywhere in the world. By comparison, the median age in much of Western Europe and East Asia now exceeds 45.
This youthful structure creates both opportunity and challenge. A large working-age generation could power decades of economic growth, a phenomenon known as the demographic dividend, provided enough jobs, schooling, and services can be created. At the same time, the country must educate and employ millions of young people entering the workforce each year. Urbanization is accelerating as young Ethiopians migrate toward cities in search of opportunity, though Ethiopia remains predominantly rural, with the majority of people engaged in agriculture.
Largest Cities and Where People Live
Ethiopia's three largest cities are Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, and Mekelle. The capital, Addis Ababa, has a metropolitan population of roughly five million and sits at an elevation above 2,300 metres, making it one of the highest capital cities in the world. It serves as the headquarters of the African Union and is often called the diplomatic capital of Africa, hosting more than 100 embassies.
- Addis Ababa: the capital and largest city, the political, commercial, and cultural heart of the country.
- Dire Dawa: a commercial hub of around half a million people near the railway corridor linking Ethiopia to the port of Djibouti.
- Mekelle: capital of the Tigray region, a historical and educational centre in the northern highlands.
Most Ethiopians live in the fertile central and northern highlands, where the climate is cooler and rainfall supports farming. The arid lowlands toward the borders with Somalia, Kenya, and Sudan are far more sparsely settled. Overall population density averages around 118 people per square kilometre.
Ethnic and Religious Diversity
Ethiopia is extraordinarily diverse, with more than 80 distinct ethnic groups. The two largest are the Oromo, making up roughly 34% of the population, and the Amhara, at about 27%. Amharic serves as the working language of the federal government, while Afaan Oromo, Tigrinya, and Somali are spoken by millions more.
Religion is similarly varied. Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, one of the world's oldest Christian traditions, claims around 44% of the population, while Muslims account for roughly 34%, alongside a significant and growing Protestant minority. Ethiopia is also notable as the only African country never colonized by a European power, helping preserve its ancient cultural and religious heritage. For a fuller picture of the nation's geography, history, and culture, see our ethiopia country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ethiopia the most populous country in Africa?
No. Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa with about 130 million people, behind Nigeria, which has more than 220 million. Ethiopia is, however, the most populous landlocked country in the world.
How fast is Ethiopia's population growing?
Ethiopia's population is growing at roughly 2.55% per year, adding about 3.3 million people annually. This is one of the highest growth rates among large nations and is driven by a fertility rate of around four children per woman.
What is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia?
Addis Ababa is both the capital and the largest city, with a metropolitan population of about five million. It is one of the highest-altitude capitals in the world and serves as the headquarters of the African Union.
What languages do people speak in Ethiopia?
Amharic is the federal working language, but Ethiopia is highly multilingual. Afaan Oromo, Tigrinya, and Somali are also widely spoken, reflecting the country's more than 80 ethnic groups.
