Ethiopia vs Japan: 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 Japan
122,696,542
Live estimate, extrapolated from the latest official figures
- Births today
- 400
- Deaths today
- 935
- Change today (UTC)
- −346
Ethiopia has a population of 135,472,051 and Japan has 123,366,734 (2025 estimates). Ethiopia is currently larger by 12,105,317 people — about 1.1 times Japan's population. They rank 10 and 12 in the world respectively.
Their trajectories differ: Ethiopia grows at +2.55% per year versus −0.49% for Japan. One population is expanding while the other shrinks — the gap between them widens every year.
The lead has changed hands: Ethiopia overtook Japan in 2022, according to the historical series.
Beyond size, the structures differ: Ethiopia is the younger society (median age 19.1 vs 49.8); Japan is far more crowded at 342 people per km² against 114.
Ethiopia vs Japan population, 1960–2025
Side by side
| Indicator | Ethiopia | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,472,051 | 123,366,734 |
| Annual growth | +2.55% | −0.49% |
| Yearly change | +3,412,284 | −608,637 |
| Density (P/km²) | 114 | 342 |
| Land area (km²) | 1,128,499 | 364,569 |
| Median age | 19.1 yrs | 49.8 yrs |
| Fertility rate | 3.91 | 1.15 |
| Life expectancy | 67.6 yrs | 84.0 yrs |
| Urban population | 24% | 92% |
| World share | 1.65% | 1.50% |
| 2050 projection (UN) | 225,021,874 | 105,123,167 |
Latest World Bank estimates; median age and 2050 projections from UN WPP 2024. Full profiles: Ethiopia · Japan
Ethiopia vs Japan FAQ
Is Ethiopia bigger than Japan by population?
Ethiopia currently has the larger population: 135,472,051 versus 123,366,734 (2025 estimates) — a gap of 12.11 million people.
When did Ethiopia overtake Japan in population?
Ethiopia passed Japan in 2022, based on the countries' official population series.
Which grows faster, Ethiopia or Japan?
Ethiopia currently grows faster: +2.55% per year versus −0.49%.
How do Ethiopia and Japan compare in 2050?
UN medium-variant projections put Ethiopia at 225,021,874 and Japan at 105,123,167 in 2050.