The 10 Most Populated Countries in Africa

The population of Africa is around 1.2 billion people. The continent of Africa is synonymous with varied cultures, peoples, beliefs and an abundance of natural resources. The majority of the African population is young, with over 50% of the population below or at 20 years of age. The population density of Africa is 30.51 people per square kilometer. Africa is made up of 54 countries. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with a population of 190 million people. Here is a brief overview of the ten most populous countries in Africa. Data from the World Bank. 

10. Sudan - 41,801,533

Sudan is a North African country that borders South Sudan to the South and Egypt to the North. It is among the most populous countries in Africa with a population of around 41 million people. Although most of the land in Sudan is arid, many major settlements exist along riverbanks.

9. Algeria - 42,228,429

Algeria is located in the north of the continent. It is the largest country in Africa in terms of land area. Much of Algeria is desert and most of the communities live near urban areas and along water sources. The country has a population of around 42 million people. Algeria has an annual population growth rate of 2.11 percent. The population is expected to double by the year 2050.

8. Uganda - 42,723,139

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa with a population of around 42 million. The country has one of the youngest and most rapidly growing populations in the world. With an annual population growth rate of 3.61 percent, Uganda adds close to 1.2 million people per year.

7. Kenya - 51,393,010

Kenya is an East African country and the largest economy in the region. It has a population of 51 million people which represents 3.69 percent of the total African population.The majority of the population is made up of young people below the age of 30. The population of Kenya is expected to double by the year 2040.

6. Tanzania - 56,318,348

Tanzania is an East African country that borders the Indian Ocean to the East. It has a population of 56 million people with a vast majority consisting of young people. Tanzania has an annual population growth rate of 2.69 percent which is among the highest in the region. It is estimated that Tanzania’s population will double in the next 26 years.

5. South Africa - 57,779,622

South Africa has a population of 57 million people and is the fifth largest country by population. The population increases by about 700,000 people every year which represents 1.6 percent annual change. The total population of South Africa constitutes 4.77% of the African population. South Africa is one of the most developed countries in Africa.

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo - 84,068,091

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second-largest country in Africa by land area and the fourth largest by population. It is home to over 84 million people. This Central African nation has experienced a rapid population growth over the last two decades where the population increased from 39 million in 1992 to 66 million people in 2009. The Democratic Republic of Congo demographics is one of the fastest growing populations in Africa and the world.

3. Egypt - 98,423,595

Egypt has a population of 98 million people and is the third largest country by population in Africa. The majority of the populace lives along the River Nile and in major cities such as Cairo. The Egyptian population is about 7.68% of the African population. The country has an annual population growth rate of 2.29 percent which represents an increase of 1.8 million people per year.

2. Ethiopia - 109,224,559

Ethiopia is an eastern Africa landlocked country located in the horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous country in Africa with 109 million people. Ethiopia has one of the fastest growing populations at an annual growth rate of 2.6%. The country is home to over 80 ethnic groups of multiple origins such as Cushitic and Afro-Asiatic.

1. Nigeria - 195,874,740

Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa. The 195 million people who live in Nigeria account for about 15.98% of the total African population. Every year, the population of Nigeria increases by nearly 5.5 million people. The population growth has seen Nigeria become the 7thmost populous country in the world.