The Most Populated Countries In Africa

Map showing the 10 most populous countries in Africa.
Map showing the 10 most populous countries in Africa.

In a continent known for its colossal size and cultural diversity, Africa encompasses nearly 13 million square miles, with a population surpassing 1.3 billion. According to World Population Review, Africa has the youngest population worldwide with 41% of its population under the age of 15. With 54 countries, Africa exhibits a diverse range of language, landscape, beliefs, and cultures. We’ve put together a brief overview of the ten most populous countries in Africa according to data from the World Bank. 

  1. Nigeria - 200,963,600
  2. Ethiopia - 112,078,730
  3. Egypt - 100,388,070
  4. The Democratic Republic of Congo - 86,790,570
  5. South Africa - 58,558,270
  6. Tanzania - 58,005,460
  7. Kenya - 52,573,970
  8. Uganda - 44,269,590
  9. Algeria - 43,053,050
  10. Sudan - 42,813,240

1. Nigeria - 200,963,600

Lagos, Nigeria. Image credit: Santos Akhilele Aburime/Shutterstock

As the most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria is home to over 206 million inhabitants. Each year, its population increases by nearly 5.5 million. With 2.64% of the world’s population, Nigeria is the seventh most populous country worldwide. 

2. Ethiopia - 112,078,730

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Image credit: canyalcin/Shutterstock

Located in Africa’s horn on its east coast, the landlocked nation of Ethiopia is the second most populous nation in Africa. It holds about 112 million people with an annual growth rate of 2.6%. This culturally diverse region is home to over 80 ethnic groups of multiple origins, including Cushitic and Afro-Asiatic. 

3. Egypt - 100,388,070

Cairo, Egypt. Image credit: givaga/Shutterstock

A large portion of Egypt’s over 100 million inhabitants resides in Cairo and cities along the River Nile, with 43% of the population living in urban areas. The nation’s population makes up 1.31% of the world’s population. With an annual population growth of 1.8 million, Egypt experiences an annual growth rate of 1.94%. 

4. The Democratic Republic of Congo - 86,790,570

Kinchasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Image credit: Alexandra Tyukavina/Shutterstock

After experiencing rapid population growth in recent decades, The Democratic Republic of the Congo is now Africa’s fourth most populous nation. It is the second-largest country in Africa by landmass and one of the fastest-growing nations globally. From 1990 to 2010, the country increased its population from 34 million to 64 million. Today, DR Congo’s population is nearly 87 million.

5. South Africa - 58,558,270

Cape Town, South Africa. Image credit: michaeljung/Shutterstock

Ranked as Africa’s fifth-most populous country, South Africa is home to over 58 million inhabitants. The country currently has a 1.28% annual increase, falling considerable from its highest peak in 1983, when the population increased by 2.8%. South Africa makes up 0.76% of the world’s population and is one of the most developed countries in Africa.

6. Tanzania - 58,005,460

Zanzibar, Tanzania. Image credit: Marius Dobilas/Shutterstock

Located just west of the Indian Ocean in East Africa, Tanzania holds a population of just around 58 million residents. Their population growth ranks among the highest at 2.98%, with the expectation of doubling in the next 24 years. 

7. Kenya - 52,573,970

Nairobi, Kenya. Image credit: Sopotnicki/Shutterstock

Famous for its safaris, this East African country's economy is rapidly growing. With the majority of the around 52 million Kenyans under 30, Kenya is one of Africa’s youngest nations. The country represents 0.69% of the world’s population, with its numbers expected to double by 2040. 

8. Uganda - 44,269,590

Kampala, Uganda. Image credit: Andreas Marquardt/Shutterstock

This landlocked country in East Africa is home to approximately 44 million people. With an annual population growth rate of 3.32%, Uganda is one of the world’s most rapidly growing nations. Its median age is 16.7 years.

9. Algeria - 43,053,050

Algiers, Algeria. Image credit: Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

Considered the largest country in Africa, Algeria’s 919,600 square miles are predominately desert. Most of the country’s estimated 43 million inhabitants reside in its urban areas or near water sources. With an annual population growth rate of 1.85%, it’s expected the population will double by 2050.  

10. Sudan - 42,813,240

Khartoum, Sudan. Image credit: Feroze Edassery/Shutterstock

With a population approaching 43 million people, Sudan is one of Africa’s most populous countries. This North African country borders South Sudan and Egypt. Although most of Sudan’s land is arid, it’s home to several major settlements along its riverbanks. 

African Countries By Population

RankCountryPopulation
1Nigeria200,963,600
2Ethiopia112,078,730
3Egypt100,388,070
4Democratic Republic of the Congo86,790,570
5South Africa58,558,270
6Tanzania58,005,460
7Kenya52,573,970
8Uganda44,269,590
9Algeria43,053,050
10Sudan42,813,240
11Morocco36,471,769
12Angola31,825,290
13Ghana30,417,860
14Mozambique30,366,040
15Madagascar26,969,310
16Cameroon25,876,380
17Cote d'Ivoire25,716,540
18Niger23,310,720
19Burkina Faso20,321,380
20Mali19,658,030
21Malawi18,628,747
22Zambia17,861,030
23Senegal16,296,360
24Chad15,946,880
25Somalia15,442,910
26Zimbabwe14,645,470
27Guinea12,771,250
28Rwanda12,626,950
29Benin11,801,150
30Tunisia11,694,720
31Burundi11,530,580
32South Sudan11,062,110
33Togo8,082,370
34Sierra Leone7,813,220
35Libya6,777,450
36Congo5,380,510
37Liberia4,937,370
38Central African Republic4,745,190
39Mauritania4,525,700
40Eritrea3,213,970
41Namibia2,494,530
42The Gambia2,347,710
43Botswana2,303,700
44Gabon2,172,580
45Lesotho2,125,270
46Guinea-Bissau1,920,920
47Equatorial Guinea1,355,990
48Mauritius1,265,710
49Eswatini1,148,130
50Djibouti973,560
51Comoros850,890
52Cabo Verde549,930
53Sao Tome and Principe215,060
54Seychelles97,630
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