This statistic shows the total population of Ethiopia from 2013 to 2023 by gender. In 2023, Ethiopia's female population amounted to approximately 64.21 million, while the male population amounted to approximately 64.49 million inhabitants.

The total population in Ethiopia was estimated at 132.1 million people in 2024, according to the latest census figures and projections from Trading Economics. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Ethiopia Population - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The total population of Ethiopia was estimated at approximately 108.41 million people in 2024. Following a continuous upward trend, the total population has risen by around 75.97 million people since 1980. Between 2024 and 2030, the total population will rise by around 10.84 million people, continuing its consistent upward trajectory.This indicator describes the total population in the country at hand. This total population of the country consists of all persons falling within the scope of the census.

Graph and download economic data for Population, Total for Ethiopia (POPTOTETA647NWDB) from 1960 to 2024 about Ethiopia and population.

This dataset provides population data for Ethiopia, disaggregated by regional states. The data is available in vector format, allowing for spatial visualization. Cross-border settlements are represented separately in a standalone file titled "Crosses Boundary." The dataset includes total population figures and population density, adjusted to match the corresponding official United Nations population estimates that have been prepared by the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat (2019 Revision of World Population Prospects).

Ethiopia ET: Population: Total data was reported at 104,957,438.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 102,403,196.000 Person for 2016. Ethiopia ET: Population: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 45,695,488.500 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 104,957,438.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 22,151,278.000 Person in 1960. Ethiopia ET: Population: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ethiopia – Table ET.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Total population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship. The values shown are midyear estimates.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision. (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Sum; Relevance to gender indicator: disaggregating the population composition by gender will help a country in projecting its demand for social services on a gender basis.

In 1800, the population of Ethiopia was 2.95 million. Like most other Sub-Saharan countries, Ethiopia experienced slow but steady growth for much of the 18th century, and growth which would increase exponentially as the country entered the 20th century. Ethiopia’s population grew more rapidly as the 20th century progressed, however, this growth was offset in the late 1970s, with the beginning of the Ethiopian Civil War and the coinciding Qey Shibir (Red Terror) campaign. However, despite experiencing a significant famine from 1983 to 1985, which would result in approximately one million deaths, Ethiopia’s population would begin to grow rapidly once more, from 35 million in 1980 to 66 million by the beginning of the 21st century. By 2020, Ethiopia is estimated to have a population of almost 115 million, with some experts predicting that Ethiopia may become one of the most populous countries in the world by 2100.

Abstract

The 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) is the fourth Demographic and Health Survey conducted in Ethiopia. It was implemented by the Central Statistical Agency (CSA) at the request of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH). Data collection took place from January 18, 2016, to June 27, 2016.

SURVEY OBJECTIVES The primary objective of the 2016 EDHS is to provide up-to-date estimates of key demographic and health indicators. The EDHS provides a comprehensive overview of population, maternal, and child health issues in Ethiopia. More specifically, the 2016 EDHS: - Collected data at the national level that allowed calculation of key demographic indicators, particularly fertility and under-5 and adult mortality rates - Explored the direct and indirect factors that determine levels and trends of fertility and child mortality - Measured levels of contraceptive knowledge and practice - Collected data on key aspects of family health, including immunisation coverage among children, prevalence and treatment of diarrhoea and other diseases among children under age 5, and maternity care indicators such as antenatal visits and assistance at delivery - Obtained data on child feeding practices, including breastfeeding - Collected anthropometric measures to assess the nutritional status of children under age 5, women age 15-49, and men age 15-59 - Conducted haemoglobin testing on eligible children age 6-59 months, women age 15-49, and men age 15-59 to provide information on the prevalence of anaemia in these groups - Collected data on knowledge and attitudes of women and men about sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS and evaluated potential exposure to the risk of HIV infection by exploring high-risk behaviours and condom use - Conducted HIV testing of dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected from women age 15-49 and men age 15-59 to provide information on the prevalence of HIV among adults of reproductive age - Collected data on the prevalence of injuries and accidents among all household members - Collected data on knowledge and prevalence of fistula and female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) among women age 15-49 and their daughters age 0-14 - Obtained data on women’s experience of emotional, physical, and sexual violence.

As the fourth DHS conducted in Ethiopia, following the 2000, 2005, and 2011 EDHS surveys, the 2016 EDHS provides valuable information on trends in key demographic and health indicators over time. The information collected through the 2016 EDHS is intended to assist policymakers and programme managers in evaluating and designing programmes and strategies for improving the health of the country’s population.

Additionally, the 2016 EDHS included a health facility component that recorded data on children’s vaccinations, which were then combined with the household data on vaccinations.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

• Households
• Men
• Women
• Children

Universe

Household members women age 15-49 men age 15-59 children under age 5

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The sampling frame used for the 2016 EDHS is the Ethiopia Population and Housing Census (PHC), which was conducted in 2007 by the Ethiopia Central Statistical Agency. The census frame is a complete list of 84,915 enumeration areas (EAs) created for the 2007 PHC. An EA is a geographic area covering on average 181 households. The sampling frame contains information about the EA location, type of residence (urban or rural), and estimated number of residential households. With the exception of EAs in six zones of the Somali region, each EA has accompanying cartographic materials. These materials delineate geographic locations, boundaries, main access, and landmarks in or outside the EA that help identify the EA. In Somali, a cartographic frame was used in three zones where sketch maps delineating the EA geographic boundaries were available for each EA; in the remaining six zones, satellite image maps were used to provide a map for each EA.

Administratively, Ethiopia is divided into nine geographical regions and two administrative cities. The sample for the 2016 EDHS was designed to provide estimates of key indicators for the country as a whole, for urban and rural areas separately, and for each of the nine regions and the two administrative cities.

The 2016 EDHS sample was stratified and selected in two stages. Each region was stratified into urban and rural areas, yielding 21 sampling strata. Samples of EAs were selected independently in each stratum in two stages. Implicit stratification and proportional allocation were achieved at each of the lower administrative levels by sorting the sampling frame within each sampling stratum before sample selection, according to administrative units in different levels, and by using a probability proportional to size selection at the first stage of sampling.

In the first stage, a total of 645 EAs (202 in urban areas and 443 in rural areas) were selected with probability proportional to EA size (based on the 2007 PHC) and with independent selection in each sampling stratum. A household listing operation was carried out in all of the selected EAs from September to December 2015. The resulting lists of households served as a sampling frame for the selection of households in the second stage. Some of the selected EAs were large, consisting of more than 300 households. To minimise the task of household listing, each large EA selected for the 2016 EDHS was segmented. Only one segment was selected for the survey with probability proportional to segment size. Household listing was conducted only in the selected segment; that is, a 2016 EDHS cluster is either an EA or a segment of an EA.

In the second stage of selection, a fixed number of 28 households per cluster were selected with an equal probability systematic selection from the newly created household listing. All women age 15-49 and all men age 15-59 who were either permanent residents of the selected households or visitors who stayed in the household the night before the survey were eligible to be interviewed. In half of the selected households, all women age 15-49 were eligible for the FGM/C module, and only one woman per household was selected for the domestic violence module. In all of the selected households, height and weight measurements were collected from children age 0-59 months, women age 15-49, and men age 15-59. Anaemia testing was performed on consenting women age 15-49 and men age 15-59 and on children age 6-59 months whose parent/guardian consented to the testing. In addition, DBS samples were collected for HIV testing in the laboratory from women age 15-49 and men age 15-59 who consented to testing.

Mode of data collection

Computer Assisted Personal Interview [capi]

Research instrument

Five questionnaires were used for the 2016 EDHS: the Household Questionnaire, the Woman’s Questionnaire, the Man’s Questionnaire, the Biomarker Questionnaire, and the Health Facility Questionnaire. These questionnaires, based on the DHS Program’s standard Demographic and Health Survey questionnaires, were adapted to reflect the population and health issues relevant to Ethiopia. Input was solicited from various stakeholders representing government ministries and agencies, nongovernmental organisations, and international donors. After all questionnaires were finalised in English, they were translated into Amarigna, Tigrigna, and Oromiffa.

The Household Questionnaire was used to list all members of and visitors to selected households. Basic demographic information was collected on the characteristics of each person listed, including his or her age, sex, marital status, education, and relationship to the head of the household. For children under age 18, parents’ survival status was determined. The data on age and sex of household members obtained in the Household Questionnaire were used to identify women and men who were eligible for individual interviews. The Household Questionnaire also collected information on characteristics of the household’s dwelling unit, such as source of water, type of toilet facilities, and flooring materials, as well as on ownership of various durable goods. The Household Questionnaire included an additional module developed by the DHS Program to estimate the prevalence of injuries/accidents among all household members.

The Woman’s Questionnaire was used to collect information from all eligible women age 15-49. These women were asked questions on the following topics: - Background characteristics (including age, education, and media exposure) - Birth history and childhood mortality - Family planning, including knowledge, use, and sources of contraceptive methods - Fertility preferences - Antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care - Breastfeeding and infant feeding practices - Vaccinations and childhood illnesses - Women’s work and husbands’ background characteristics - Knowledge, awareness, and behaviour regarding HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to other health issues (e.g., injections, smoking, use of chat) - Adult and maternal mortality - Female genital mutilation or cutting - Fistula - Violence against women The Man’s Questionnaire was administered to all eligible men age 15-59. This questionnaire collected much of the same information elicited from the Woman’s Questionnaire but was shorter because it did not contain a detailed reproductive history, questions on maternal and child health, or questions on domestic violence. The Biomarker Questionnaire was used to record biomarker data

Urban population (% of total population) in Ethiopia was reported at 23.66 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Ethiopia - Urban population (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Rural population (% of total population) in Ethiopia was reported at 76.34 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Ethiopia - Rural population - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

The annual population growth in Ethiopia was 2.6 percent in 2023. Between 1961 and 2023, the population growth rose by 0.15 percentage points, though the increase followed an uneven trajectory rather than a consistent upward trend.

Population ages 15-64, male (% of male population) in Ethiopia was reported at 57.4 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Ethiopia - Population ages 15-64, male (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

ET: Population: Female: Ages 50-54: % of Female Population data was reported at 2.800 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.766 % for 2016. ET: Population: Female: Ages 50-54: % of Female Population data is updated yearly, averaging 2.913 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.088 % in 1960 and a record low of 2.664 % in 2005. ET: Population: Female: Ages 50-54: % of Female Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ethiopia – Table ET.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Female population between the ages 50 to 54 as a percentage of the total female population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; ;

Ethiopia ET: Population: Growth data was reported at 2.464 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.502 % for 2016. Ethiopia ET: Population: Growth data is updated yearly, averaging 2.702 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.601 % in 1992 and a record low of 1.318 % in 1978. Ethiopia ET: Population: Growth data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ethiopia – Table ET.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Annual population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage . Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.; ; Derived from total population. Population source: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision, (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

Historical dataset showing total population for Ethiopia by year from 1950 to 2025.

Analysis unit

Persons, households, and dwellings Short-questionnaire recipients lack many variables

UNITS IDENTIFIED: - Dwellings: yes - Vacant Units: no - Households: yes - Individuals: yes - Group quarters: yes

UNIT DESCRIPTIONS: - Dwellings: A housing unit is a separate and independent part of the whole of a building or a group of buildings used or intended to be used for habitation by a household, or if not so, used or intended to be used for a combination of habitation and commercial activity, or commercial activity only. - Households: A group of persons who live in the same housing unit or in connected premises and have common arrangements for cooking and eating their food. A household could consist of a single person, but usually, it consists of a husband, his wife, his children, relatives and non-relatives. The non-relatives could be friends, servants, employees, etc. As long as household members have the same arrangement for food it includes servants and guards, too. - Group quarters: Premises (housing units, buildings, or compounds) in which a number of unrelated or related persons reside together, and share common facilities. It includes, hotels, hostels, boarding schools, home for the aged , children’s home, prisons, military barracks, monasteries, work camps, rehabilitation centers, children’s home, etc. It is important to note that in the premises of some collective quarters there may be private households.

Universe

All housing units and households; all individuals who passed the night of the census date in the dwelling

Kind of data

Population and Housing Census [hh/popcen]

Sampling procedure

MICRODATA SOURCE: Central Statistical Agency

SAMPLE SIZE (person records): 7434086.

SAMPLE DESIGN: Systematic sample of every 10th household with a random start, drawn by the country.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Two census questionnaires, a short form and a long form, collected information in five sections: 1) Area identification, 2) Type of residence and housing identification, 3) Details of persons in the household, 4) Deaths in the household during the last 12 month, and 5) Information on housing unit. The long questionnaire was administerd to 1 in 5 households in each enumeration area. The short questionnaire with a subset of the long questionnaire items corresponding to basic demographic and social characteristics (population size, sex, age, religion, mother tongue, ethnic group, disability and orphanage) was administered to the remaining (non-sample) households.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Household Person Housing unit

Universe

The census has counted people on dejure and defacto basis. The dejure population comprises all the persons who belong to a given area at a given time by virtue of usual residence, while under defacto approach people were counted as the residents of the place where they found. In the census, a person is said to be a usual resident of a household (and hence an area) if he/she has been residing in the household continuously for at least six months before the census day or intends to reside in the household for six months or longer. Thus, visitors are not included with the usual (dejure) population. Homeless persons were enumerated in the place where they spent the night on the enumeration day. The 2007 census counted foreign nationals who were residing in the city administration. On the other hand all Ethiopians living abroad were not counted.

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Two type sof questionnaires were used to collect census data: i) Short questionnaire ii) Long questionnaire

Unlike the previous censuses, the contents of the short and long questionnaires were similar both for the urban and rural areas as well as for the entire city. But the short and the long questionnaires differ by the number of variables they contained. That is, the short questionnaire was used to collect basic data on population characteristics, such as population size, sex, age, language, ethnic group, religion, orphanhood and disability. Whereas the long questionnaire includes information on marital status, education, economic activity, migration, fertility, mortality, as well as housing stocks and conditions in addition to those questions contained in a short questionnaire.

The population density in Ethiopia amounted to 111.1 people in 2022. Between 1993 and 2022, the population density rose by 57.39 people, though the increase followed an uneven trajectory rather than a consistent upward trend.

Ethiopia: Population density, people per square km: The latest value from 2021 is 107 people per square km, an increase from 104 people per square km in 2020. In comparison, the world average is 456 people per square km, based on data from 196 countries. Historically, the average for Ethiopia from 1961 to 2021 is 53 people per square km. The minimum value, 20 people per square km, was reached in 1961 while the maximum of 107 people per square km was recorded in 2021.

This statistic shows the age structure in Ethiopia from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, about 39.37 percent of Ethiopia's total population were aged 0 to 14 years.