Africa

Africa
1.4 Billion
Largest Country: Nigeria
219 Million

Africa Overview

Trends in Africa

Africa has the highest fertility and projected population growth of any region in the world. Geographically, it includes the areas of Northern Africa and the sub-Saharan Africa subregions of Eastern Africa, Middle Africa, Southern Africa, and Western Africa.
Fertility is declining in many African countries, yet the region’s total fertility rate remains high at 4.3, ranging from 2.4 in Southern Africa to 5.6 in Middle Africa. Its population is projected to grow from 1.4 billion in 2022 to 2.5 billion in 2050, accounting for approximately 60% of projected, global population growth during the same period. As fertility declines from high to low levels, the share of the young dependent population will decline relative to those in the working-ages. With a higher proportion of wage earners and fewer dependents to support, countries can enter a window of opportunity for sustained economic growth—or a demographic dividend.

Northern Africa

Northern Africa Population, mid-2022

In millions

Total Fertility Rate

Lifetime births per woman

Excess Deaths Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2021 Annual Average

Excess Deaths as % of Total Deaths

Population Age Structure

Age distribution by sub-region

Projected Population Change 2022-2050

Percent change in population

Western Africa

Western Africa Population, mid-2022

In millions

Total Fertility Rate

Lifetime births per woman

Excess Deaths Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2021 Annual Average

Excess Deaths as % of Total Deaths

Population Age Structure

Age distribution by sub-region

Projected Population Change 2022-2050

Percent change in population. Note- Country codes used for some nations

Eastern Africa

Eastern Africa Population, mid-2022

In millions

Total Fertility Rate

Lifetime births per woman

Excess Deaths Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2021 Annual Average

Excess Deaths as % of Total Deaths

Population Age Structure

Age distribution by sub-region

Projected Population Change 2022-2050

Percent change in population

Middle Africa

Middle Africa Population, mid-2022

In millions

Total Fertility Rate

Lifetime births per woman

Excess Deaths Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2021 Annual Average

Excess Deaths as % of Total Deaths

Population Age Structure

Age distribution by sub-region

Projected Population Change 2022-2050

Percent change in population

Southern Africa

Southern Africa Population, mid-2022

In millions

Total Fertility Rate

Lifetime births per woman

Excess Deaths Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2021 Annual Average

Excess Deaths as % of Total Deaths

Population Age Structure

Age distribution by sub-region

Projected Population Change 2022-2050

Percent change in population Note-Country codes used for some nations

World Population Data Sheet

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