Ethiopia vs Thailand: 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 Thailand
71,566,732
Live estimate, extrapolated from the latest official figures
- Births today
- 331
- Deaths today
- 368
- Change today (UTC)
- −27
Ethiopia has a population of 135,472,051 and Thailand has 71,619,863 (2025 estimates). Ethiopia is currently larger by 63,852,188 people — about 1.9 times Thailand's population. They rank 10 and 20 in the world respectively.
Their trajectories differ: Ethiopia grows at +2.55% per year versus −0.07% for Thailand. One population is expanding while the other shrinks — the gap between them widens every year.
The lead has changed hands: Ethiopia overtook Thailand in 1997, according to the historical series.
Beyond size, the structures differ: Ethiopia is the younger society (median age 19.1 vs 40.6); Thailand is far more crowded at 140 people per km² against 114.
Ethiopia vs Thailand population, 1960–2025
Side by side
| Indicator | Ethiopia | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,472,051 | 71,619,863 |
| Annual growth | +2.55% | −0.07% |
| Yearly change | +3,412,284 | −48,148 |
| Density (P/km²) | 114 | 140 |
| Land area (km²) | 1,128,499 | 510,890 |
| Median age | 19.1 yrs | 40.6 yrs |
| Fertility rate | 3.91 | 1.20 |
| Life expectancy | 67.6 yrs | 76.6 yrs |
| Urban population | 24% | 63% |
| World share | 1.65% | 0.87% |
| 2050 projection (UN) | 225,021,874 | 66,382,735 |
Latest World Bank estimates; median age and 2050 projections from UN WPP 2024. Full profiles: Ethiopia · Thailand
Ethiopia vs Thailand FAQ
Is Ethiopia bigger than Thailand by population?
Ethiopia currently has the larger population: 135,472,051 versus 71,619,863 (2025 estimates) — a gap of 63.85 million people.
When did Ethiopia overtake Thailand in population?
Ethiopia passed Thailand in 1997, based on the countries' official population series.
Which grows faster, Ethiopia or Thailand?
Ethiopia currently grows faster: +2.55% per year versus −0.07%.
How do Ethiopia and Thailand compare in 2050?
UN medium-variant projections put Ethiopia at 225,021,874 and Thailand at 66,382,735 in 2050.