Somalia Rate of Natural Increase

Somalia’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between its crude birth rate and crude death rate—remains one of the highest in the world, estimated at around 2.8% per year as of 2023. This high RNI is driven by Somalia’s elevated fertility rate, which is approximately 6 children per woman, and a declining, though still significant, mortality rate. In comparison, neighboring Ethiopia and Kenya have lower RNIs, at about 2.2% and 2.0% respectively, reflecting their gradual demographic transitions with declining fertility and improving health outcomes. Djibouti, another neighbor, has an even lower RNI, close to 1.5%, due to its smaller population and more urbanized society. While all these countries experience population growth, Somalia’s RNI stands out as particularly high, indicating a youthful population and persistent challenges in health and family planning, contrasting with the more moderate demographic trends seen in its neighbors.

Data from US Census International Database