Somalia
Federal Republic of Somalia
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.90%
Somalia is a Eastern Africa country of around 19.7 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 637,657 km², translating to a density of 31 people per km². Its capital is Mogadishu, and official languages include Arabic and Somali, while the Somali shilling serves as the national currency.
Population
19,655,000
Area
637,657 km²
Density
31/km²
World Rank
#66
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 43 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 9.8 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 46.6% of the population is under 15, while only 2.6% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Mogadishu
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Eastern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- Arabic, Somali
- Currencies
- Somali shilling (Sh)
- Calling Code
- +252
- Top-Level Domain
- .so
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 19,655,000
- Land Area
- 637,657 km²
- Population Density
- 31 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.90%
- Annual Growth
- +569,995 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,562 people
- World Population Share
- 0.24%
- Coordinates
- 10.00°, 49.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $630 classifies Somalia as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment is a pressing concern at 18.9%, far exceeding the global benchmark of 5.8%.
Life Expectancy
58.8 years
GDP per Capita
$630
Birth Rate
43.0 per 1,000
Death Rate
9.8 per 1,000
Urban Population
54.6%
Fertility Rate
6.13 births/woman
Infant Mortality
67.8 per 1,000
Unemployment
18.9%
Literacy Rate
54.1%
Internet Users
27.6%
Under 15
46.6%
Over 65
2.6%
Health Spending
3.7% GDP
Age Distribution
0-14 years
9.2M
15-64 years
10.0M
65+ years
509K
Urbanization
About 54.6% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Mogadishu, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 12077.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
10.7M
54.6%
8.9M
45.4%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy is 58.8 years, considerably below the world average of 72.8, underscoring urgent public-health challenges. An infant mortality rate of 67.8 per thousand live births remains a critical concern, markedly lower than the world average of 27.5. Literacy stands at 54.1%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
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 Somalia
Somalia has 10 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Somalia is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Somalia participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 19,655,000 |
| 2030 | 21,905,436 |
| 2035 | 24,781,950 |
| 2040 | 27,709,614 |
| 2045 | 30,672,290 |
| 2050 | 33,658,458 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Somalia.
Largest Cities in Somalia
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Somalia by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Somalia?
The population of Somalia is approximately 19.7 million as of 2026, making it #66 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Somalia?
The capital of Somalia is Mogadishu.
What languages are spoken in Somalia?
The main languages spoken in Somalia are Arabic, Somali.
How big is Somalia?
Somalia covers an area of 637,657 km² with a population density of 31 people per km².
Is Somalia growing or shrinking?
Somalia is growing at a rate of 2.90% per year, adding approximately 569,995 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Somalia?
The average life expectancy in Somalia is 58.8 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Somalia?
The GDP per capita of Somalia is $630.