Eritrea
State of Eritrea
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +1.21%
Situated in Eastern Africa, Eritrea has a population of approximately 3.61 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 117,600 km², translating to a density of 31 people per km². Its capital is Asmara, and official languages include Arabic, English, and Tigrinya, while the Eritrean nakfa serves as the national currency.
Population
3,607,000
Area
117,600 km²
Density
31/km²
World Rank
#132
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 28.5 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 6 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 38.1% of the population is under 15, while only 4.2% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Asmara
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Eastern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- Arabic, English, Tigrinya
- Currencies
- Eritrean nakfa (Nfk)
- Calling Code
- +291
- Top-Level Domain
- .er
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 3,607,000
- Land Area
- 117,600 km²
- Population Density
- 31 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +1.21%
- Annual Growth
- +43,645 people
- Daily Growth
- +120 people
- World Population Share
- 0.04%
- Coordinates
- 15.00°, 39.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $689 classifies Eritrea as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 6%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%.
Life Expectancy
68.6 years
GDP per Capita
$689
Birth Rate
28.5 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
34.5%
Fertility Rate
3.71 births/woman
Infant Mortality
25.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
6.0%
Literacy Rate
64.7%
Internet Users
20.0%
Under 15
38.1%
Over 65
4.2%
Health Spending
3.7% GDP
Age Distribution
0-14 years
1.4M
15-64 years
2.1M
65+ years
151K
Urbanization
Only 34.5% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Asmara serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 6698.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
1.2M
34.5%
2.4M
65.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 68.6 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 25.5 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 64.7% is below the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Eritrea
Eritrea has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Eritrea is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Eritrea participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 3,607,000 |
| 2030 | 3,780,311 |
| 2035 | 3,999,093 |
| 2040 | 4,220,748 |
| 2045 | 4,445,833 |
| 2050 | 4,674,923 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Eritrea.
Largest Cities in Eritrea
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Eritrea by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Eritrea?
The population of Eritrea is approximately 3.6 million as of 2026, making it #132 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Eritrea?
The capital of Eritrea is Asmara.
What languages are spoken in Eritrea?
The main languages spoken in Eritrea are Arabic, English, Tigrinya.
How big is Eritrea?
Eritrea covers an area of 117,600 km² with a population density of 31 people per km².
Is Eritrea growing or shrinking?
Eritrea is growing at a rate of 1.21% per year, adding approximately 43,645 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Eritrea?
The average life expectancy in Eritrea is 68.6 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Eritrea?
The GDP per capita of Eritrea is $689.