Uganda
Republic of Uganda
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +3.02%
With a population of roughly 45.9 million, Uganda ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. This landlocked territory spans 241,550 km² with a density of 190 people per km². Its capital is Kampala, and official languages include English and Swahili, while the Ugandan shilling serves as the national currency.
Population
45,905,417
Area
241,550 km²
Density
190/km²
World Rank
#35
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 35.2 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 4.8 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 43.5% of the population is under 15, while only 2.2% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Kampala
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Eastern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English, Swahili
- Currencies
- Ugandan shilling (Sh)
- Calling Code
- +256
- Top-Level Domain
- .ug
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 45,905,417
- Land Area
- 241,550 km²
- Population Density
- 190 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +3.02%
- Annual Growth
- +1,386,344 people
- Daily Growth
- +3,798 people
- World Population Share
- 0.57%
- Coordinates
- 1.00°, 32.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $1.1k classifies Uganda as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2.8%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 42.7 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
68.3 years
GDP per Capita
$1,078
Birth Rate
35.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
4.8 per 1,000
Urban Population
31.3%
Fertility Rate
4.28 births/woman
Infant Mortality
27.6 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.8%
Literacy Rate
79.1%
Internet Users
8.9%
Under 15
43.5%
Over 65
2.2%
Health Spending
4.2% GDP
Gini Index
42.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
20.0M
15-64 years
24.9M
65+ years
1.0M
Urbanization
Only 31.3% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Kampala, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 119059.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
14.4M
31.3%
31.5M
68.7%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 68.3 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 27.6 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 79.1% is roughly in line with 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 Uganda
Uganda has 23 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Uganda is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Uganda participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 45,905,417 |
| 2030 | 51,383,412 |
| 2035 | 58,406,540 |
| 2040 | 65,573,055 |
| 2045 | 72,838,894 |
| 2050 | 80,171,656 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Uganda.
Largest Cities in Uganda
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Uganda by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Uganda?
The population of Uganda is approximately 45.9 million as of 2026, making it #35 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Uganda?
The capital of Uganda is Kampala.
What languages are spoken in Uganda?
The main languages spoken in Uganda are English, Swahili.
How big is Uganda?
Uganda covers an area of 241,550 km² with a population density of 190 people per km².
Is Uganda growing or shrinking?
Uganda is growing at a rate of 3.02% per year, adding approximately 1,386,344 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Uganda?
The average life expectancy in Uganda is 68.3 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Uganda?
The GDP per capita of Uganda is $1,078.