Rank #61 by World Population
🇪🇷Eritrea
Eritrea has a population of 3,470,390, ranking #61 in the world. The capital is Asmara. Located in Sub-Saharan Africa .
World Bank: Low income
3,470,390
Population
#61
World Rank
68.6
Life Expectancy
-
GDP Per Capita
Eritrea, #61 by world population
Eritrea Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Eritrea had a population of 972,547 in 1960 and 3,535,603 in 2024, a 3.6× growth over 64 years. The peak was 3,535,603 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.05%.
3,535,603
Population (2024)
972,547
Population (1960)
3,535,603
Peak (2024)
2.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 972,547 |
| 1961 | 995,573 |
| 1962 | 1,019,788 |
| 1963 | 1,045,092 |
| 1964 | 1,071,287 |
| 1965 | 1,098,335 |
| 1966 | 1,124,957 |
| 1967 | 1,152,339 |
| 1968 | 1,181,737 |
| 1969 | 1,212,005 |
| 1970 | 1,243,453 |
| 1971 | 1,276,154 |
| 1972 | 1,309,235 |
| 1973 | 1,342,669 |
| 1974 | 1,375,688 |
| 1975 | 1,408,210 |
| 1976 | 1,443,807 |
| 1977 | 1,482,565 |
| 1978 | 1,522,378 |
| 1979 | 1,563,332 |
| 1980 | 1,605,797 |
| 1981 | 1,649,939 |
| 1982 | 1,695,461 |
| 1983 | 1,736,160 |
| 1984 | 1,771,730 |
| 1985 | 1,807,816 |
| 1986 | 1,845,164 |
| 1987 | 1,888,669 |
| 1988 | 1,938,255 |
| 1989 | 1,987,017 |
| 1990 | 2,032,737 |
| 1991 | 1,919,571 |
| 1992 | 1,798,748 |
| 1993 | 1,856,006 |
| 1994 | 1,913,915 |
| 1995 | 2,025,267 |
| 1996 | 2,128,464 |
| 1997 | 2,152,135 |
| 1998 | 2,180,419 |
| 1999 | 2,212,780 |
| 2000 | 2,247,031 |
| 2001 | 2,312,079 |
| 2002 | 2,392,978 |
| 2003 | 2,493,903 |
| 2004 | 2,598,284 |
| 2005 | 2,661,215 |
| 2006 | 2,703,502 |
| 2007 | 2,743,222 |
| 2008 | 2,816,327 |
| 2009 | 2,887,885 |
| 2010 | 2,945,186 |
| 2011 | 2,998,485 |
| 2012 | 3,036,988 |
| 2013 | 3,074,360 |
| 2014 | 3,095,173 |
| 2015 | 3,105,546 |
| 2016 | 3,124,698 |
| 2017 | 3,150,347 |
| 2018 | 3,192,760 |
| 2019 | 3,240,194 |
| 2020 | 3,291,271 |
| 2021 | 3,350,183 |
| 2022 | 3,409,447 |
| 2023 | 3,470,390 |
| 2024 | 3,535,603 |
Demographics
| Population | 3,470,390 |
| Population Growth Rate | 1.77% |
| Urban Population | 34.7% |
| Fertility Rate | 3.71 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 68.6 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 25.4 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
-
GDP Per Capita
5.9%
Unemployment Rate
Low income
Income Level
Health & Education
3.7%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
0.09
Physicians per 1,000
25.4
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
54.4%
Electricity Access
54
Mobile Subs per 100
28.6
People per km2
-15,284
Net Migration
Environment
8.6%
Forest Area
Eritrea Climate
Eritrea has an average annual temperature of 18.3°C (65°F) and receives about 492 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is June and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.3°C
Avg Temp
492
Precip (mm/yr)
Jun
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16° / 60° | 2 mm |
| February | 17° / 62° | 3 mm |
| March | 18° / 65° | 10 mm |
| April | 20° / 67° | 28 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 38 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 35 mm |
| July | 19° / 65° | 150 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 161 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 37 mm |
| October | 18° / 65° | 12 mm |
| November | 17° / 62° | 13 mm |
| December | 16° / 60° | 3 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Eritrea
The most comfortable months to visit Eritrea are typically June, May and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is June (around 28°C high). The coldest is December (near 9°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Eritrea in global context
Eritrea is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Eritrea has a population of 3,470,390, ranking #61 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 1.77%.
Life expectancy in Eritrea is 68.6 years. The infant mortality rate is 25.4 per 1,000 live births.
GDP data for Eritrea is available from the World Bank Open Data portal.
34.7% of Eritrea's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 28.6 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for Eritrea is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit Eritrea are typically June, May and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Eritrea has an average annual temperature of 18.3°C and about 492 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically June and the coldest is December.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
Eritrea is a country in Sub-Saharan Africa with a population of 3,470,390. Its population is growing quickly, by about 1.8% a year.
Life expectancy is 68.6 years, below the global average, with a fertility rate of 3.7 births per woman, and 34.7% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.