Somalia has experienced significant population growth in recent decades, despite ongoing challenges such as conflict, drought, and displacement. According to United Nations estimates, Somalia's population has increased from around 7 million in 1990 to over 18 million in 2024. This rapid growth is driven by a high fertility rate, which remains among the highest in the world, averaging over 6 children per woman. While the country faces persistent issues with health care, food security, and internal migration, its youthful population—over 60% are under the age of 25—presents both challenges and opportunities for future development. Urbanization is also accelerating, with cities like Mogadishu and Hargeisa expanding as people move in search of better economic prospects and security.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 2,437,932 | 3.9 |
| 1955 | 2,673,425 | 4.3 |
| 1960 | 2,955,803 | 4.7 |
| 1965 | 3,282,503 | 5.2 |
| 1970 | 3,666,949 | 5.8 |
| 1975 | 4,127,771 | 6.6 |
| 1980 | 5,793,555 | 9.2 |
| 1985 | 6,458,539 | 10.3 |
| 1990 | 6,692,038 | 10.7 |
| 1995 | 6,400,721 | 10.2 |
| 2000 | 7,500,559 | 12 |
| 2005 | 8,795,276 | 14 |
| 2010 | 9,787,362 | 15.6 |
| 2015 | 10,655,805 | 17 |
| 2020 | 11,818,529 | 18.8 |
| 2022 | 12,386,248 | 19.7 |
| 2023 | 12,693,796 | 20.2 |
| 2024 | 13,017,273 | 20.8 |
| 2025 | 13,356,562 | 21.3 |
| 2030 | 15,138,837 | 24.1 |
| 2035 | 16,987,551 | 27.1 |
| 2040 | 18,867,903 | 30.1 |
| 2045 | 20,759,265 | 33.1 |
| 2050 | 22,655,319 | 36.1 |
| 2055 | 24,593,588 | 39.2 |
| 2060 | 26,587,043 | 42.4 |
| 2065 | 28,573,751 | 45.5 |
| 2070 | 30,495,011 | 48.6 |
| 2075 | 32,309,519 | 51.5 |
| 2080 | 33,994,501 | 54.2 |
| 2085 | 35,528,243 | 56.6 |
| 2090 | 36,881,299 | 58.8 |
| 2095 | 38,014,444 | 60.6 |
| 2100 | 38,888,110 | 62 |
Data from US Census International Database