Ethiopia vs Egypt: population comparison
Current population of Ethiopia
139,287,321
Live estimate, extrapolated from the latest official figures
- Births today
- 2,430
- Deaths today
- 454
- Change today (UTC)
- +1,970
Current population of Egypt
120,399,478
Live estimate, extrapolated from the latest official figures
- Births today
- 1,411
- Deaths today
- 371
- Change today (UTC)
- +1,050
Ethiopia has a population of 135,472,051 and Egypt has 118,365,995 (2025 estimates). Ethiopia is currently larger by 17,106,056 people — about 1.1 times Egypt's population. They rank 10 and 13 in the world respectively.
Their trajectories differ: Ethiopia grows at +2.55% per year versus +1.56% for Egypt. At current rates the balance between them keeps shifting.
The lead has changed hands: Ethiopia overtook Egypt in 2009, according to the historical series.
Beyond size, the structures differ: Ethiopia is the younger society (median age 19.1 vs 24.5); Egypt is far more crowded at 115 people per km² against 114.
Ethiopia vs Egypt population, 1960–2025
Side by side
| Indicator | Ethiopia | Egypt |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,472,051 | 118,365,995 |
| Annual growth | +2.55% | +1.56% |
| Yearly change | +3,412,284 | +1,827,737 |
| Density (P/km²) | 114 | 115 |
| Land area (km²) | 1,128,499 | 995,450 |
| Median age | 19.1 yrs | 24.5 yrs |
| Fertility rate | 3.91 | 2.74 |
| Life expectancy | 67.6 yrs | 71.8 yrs |
| Urban population | 24% | 43% |
| World share | 1.65% | 1.44% |
| 2050 projection (UN) | 225,021,874 | 161,630,192 |
Latest World Bank estimates; median age and 2050 projections from UN WPP 2024. Full profiles: Ethiopia · Egypt
Ethiopia vs Egypt FAQ
Is Ethiopia bigger than Egypt by population?
Ethiopia currently has the larger population: 135,472,051 versus 118,365,995 (2025 estimates) — a gap of 17.11 million people.
When did Ethiopia overtake Egypt in population?
Ethiopia passed Egypt in 2009, based on the countries' official population series.
Which grows faster, Ethiopia or Egypt?
Ethiopia currently grows faster: +2.55% per year versus +1.56%.
How do Ethiopia and Egypt compare in 2050?
UN medium-variant projections put Ethiopia at 225,021,874 and Egypt at 161,630,192 in 2050.