Eritrea's population growth has been relatively steady but modest over the past few decades. As of 2024, Eritrea's population is estimated to be around 3.7 million people. The country's annual population growth rate has hovered around 1% to 1.5% in recent years, which is lower than many other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This moderate growth is influenced by factors such as emigration, particularly among young people seeking better economic opportunities abroad, as well as government policies and limited access to healthcare. Despite these challenges, Eritrea maintains a youthful population, with a significant proportion under the age of 25, which could impact future demographic trends if economic and social conditions change.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 1,402,510 | 13.9 |
| 1955 | 1,498,684 | 14.8 |
| 1960 | 1,614,698 | 16 |
| 1965 | 1,746,439 | 17.3 |
| 1970 | 2,160,460 | 21.4 |
| 1975 | 2,421,037 | 24 |
| 1980 | 2,568,741 | 25.4 |
| 1985 | 2,941,211 | 29.1 |
| 1990 | 3,060,332 | 30.3 |
| 1995 | 3,361,437 | 33.3 |
| 2000 | 3,884,174 | 38.5 |
| 2005 | 4,709,533 | 46.6 |
| 2010 | 5,368,638 | 53.2 |
| 2015 | 5,829,912 | 57.7 |
| 2020 | 6,088,682 | 60.3 |
| 2022 | 6,209,262 | 61.5 |
| 2023 | 6,274,796 | 62.1 |
| 2024 | 6,343,956 | 62.8 |
| 2025 | 6,416,435 | 63.5 |
| 2030 | 6,836,545 | 67.7 |
| 2035 | 7,353,464 | 72.8 |
| 2040 | 7,909,918 | 78.3 |
| 2045 | 8,436,844 | 83.5 |
| 2050 | 8,921,842 | 88.3 |
| 2055 | 9,372,037 | 92.8 |
| 2060 | 9,794,168 | 97 |
| 2065 | 10,185,329 | 100.8 |
| 2070 | 10,537,932 | 104.3 |
| 2075 | 10,842,090 | 107.3 |
| 2080 | 11,089,588 | 109.8 |
| 2085 | 11,275,549 | 111.6 |
| 2090 | 11,397,092 | 112.8 |
| 2095 | 11,453,495 | 113.4 |
| 2100 | 11,446,688 | 113.3 |
Data from US Census International Database