Ethiopia vs Iran: 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 Iran
93,360,283
Live estimate, extrapolated from the latest official figures
- Births today
- 662
- Deaths today
- 250
- Change today (UTC)
- +486
Ethiopia has a population of 135,472,051 and Iran has 92,417,681 (2025 estimates). Ethiopia is currently larger by 43,054,370 people — about 1.5 times Iran's population. They rank 10 and 17 in the world respectively.
Their trajectories differ: Ethiopia grows at +2.55% per year versus +0.92% for Iran. At current rates the balance between them keeps shifting.
The lead has changed hands: Ethiopia overtook Iran in 2000, according to the historical series.
Beyond size, the structures differ: Ethiopia is the younger society (median age 19.1 vs 34.0); Ethiopia is far more crowded at 114 people per km² against 56.
Ethiopia vs Iran population, 1960–2025
Side by side
| Indicator | Ethiopia | Iran |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,472,051 | 92,417,681 |
| Annual growth | +2.55% | +0.92% |
| Yearly change | +3,412,284 | +849,943 |
| Density (P/km²) | 114 | 56 |
| Land area (km²) | 1,128,499 | 1,622,500 |
| Median age | 19.1 yrs | 34.0 yrs |
| Fertility rate | 3.91 | 1.68 |
| Life expectancy | 67.6 yrs | 77.9 yrs |
| Urban population | 24% | 77% |
| World share | 1.65% | 1.12% |
| 2050 projection (UN) | 225,021,874 | 101,861,993 |
Latest World Bank estimates; median age and 2050 projections from UN WPP 2024. Full profiles: Ethiopia · Iran
Ethiopia vs Iran FAQ
Is Ethiopia bigger than Iran by population?
Ethiopia currently has the larger population: 135,472,051 versus 92,417,681 (2025 estimates) — a gap of 43.05 million people.
When did Ethiopia overtake Iran in population?
Ethiopia passed Iran in 2000, based on the countries' official population series.
Which grows faster, Ethiopia or Iran?
Ethiopia currently grows faster: +2.55% per year versus +0.92%.
How do Ethiopia and Iran compare in 2050?
UN medium-variant projections put Ethiopia at 225,021,874 and Iran at 101,861,993 in 2050.