Eritrea
- Capital:
- Asmara
- Continent:
- Africa
- Region(s):
- Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa
- Abbreviation:
- ERI
3,682,669
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
3,682,669
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
Eritrea's population is projected to be 8,374,835 by 2097.
Historical
Switch the toggle to see projected data.
| Year ↓ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3,682,669 | 1.91% | 132 |
| 2025 | 3,607,003 | 1.85% | 132 |
| 2020 | 3,291,271 | 1.58% | 134 |
| 2019 | 3,240,194 | 1.49% | 135 |
| 2018 | 3,192,760 | 1.35% | 135 |
| 2017 | 3,150,347 | 0.82% | 136 |
| 2015 | 3,105,546 | 1.07% | 136 |
| 2010 | 2,945,186 | 2.05% | 135 |
| 2005 | 2,661,215 | 3.44% | 138 |
| 2000 | 2,247,031 | 2.1% | 141 |
| Year ↑ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3,682,669 | 1.91% | 132 |
| 2032 | 4,166,514 | 2.07% | 130 |
| 2037 | 4,601,935 | 2.01% | 130 |
| 2042 | 5,039,301 | 1.83% | 130 |
| 2047 | 5,456,501 | 1.6% | 127 |
| 2052 | 5,858,065 | 1.43% | 123 |
| 2057 | 6,243,952 | 1.28% | 118 |
| 2062 | 6,632,337 | 1.21% | 116 |
| 2067 | 6,992,724 | 1.06% | 116 |
| 2072 | 7,318,845 | 0.92% | 116 |
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Asmara has a metropolitan area population of 783,135, comprising 21.27%% of Eritrea's total population.
As of 2026, Eritrea has a total population of 3,682,669, ranking as the 132nd most populous nation in the world.
Eritrea has a net population change of approximately 209 people per day, driven by 289 births, 59 deaths, and net emigration of 21 people.
Eritrea represents 0.05% of the total global population and 0.23% of Africa's population.
Eritrea has a population density of 36.5 people per km² (approximately 94.4 per mi²), making it the 177th most densely populated country in the world.
Currently, 51.68% of the population resides in urban areas, a figure that is increasing annually.
*Rates last updated: June 16, 2026
As of 2026, the largest ethnicity in Eritrea is Tigrinya (55%) , followed by Tigre (30%) .
As of 2026, Eritrean Orthodox is the largest religion in Eritrea, comprising 50% of the population.