Africa, the world’s second-largest continent, spans over 30 million km2, and is home to approximately 1.4 billion people. This vast continent features diverse landscapes, including the world’s biggest desert and the second-largest tropical rainforest. Understanding the population density patterns across Africa reveals how humans congregate near essential resources and adapt to natural obstacles.
Key Population Centers and Growth Trends
Africa's second-largest economy, Nigeria, is also its most populous: more than 220 million people live in this diverse West African country with 250 ethnic groups, speaking over 500 different languages. And the nation is only growing. Across the continent, along its eastern side, Ethiopia, is the second-most populous country on the continent. Ranked third, Egypt (112 million) is the only North African country in the top five by population.
In South Sudan, the world’s newest country, the population is growing at nearly 5% every year. The broader sub-Saharan population meanwhile is growing at half that rate.
Urbanization in Africa
About half of Africa lives in urban areas, which is less than the global average of 57%. Egypt’s capital, Cairo, built along the banks of the Nile, is home to more than 22 million residents, and ranks as Africa’s largest city. Down south, across the Sahara desert, and near the shores of the Atlantic, Nigeria’s former capital Lagos has slightly more than 21 million people.
Historical Context
In the year 1900, Africa accounted for 9% of the world’s population. Currently, its share stands close to 18%.
Read also: Demographic Trends in South Africa
The African Population Database
The African Population Database is a valuable resource for understanding population dynamics in Africa. The database has been updated and expanded over the years, with increasing numbers of administrative units and associated population figures. The first version contained approximately 1,500 administrative units, the second 3,700 (Deichmann et al. 1995), and the third was another update and expansion (Deichmann 1997). version and 4,700 in the third.
Data Citation
When using data from the African Population Database, it is essential to cite the sources properly. Please cite data as follows: Nelson, Andy, 2004. African Population Database, UNEP GRID Sioux Falls. Retrieved "date of download" from Please cite documentation as follows: Nelson, Andy, 2004. African Population Database Documentation, UNEP GRID Sioux Falls.
UNEP/GRID does not place any restrictions on the use of this data, but does request that users cite UNEP/GRID (and any other sources mentioned in documentation of the data provided) as data furnisher(s). Users of data sets supplied through UNEP/GRID are requested to incorporate in output products and reports acknowledgements to the originator of the data and to the fact that they were acquired through UNEP/GRID.
POPULATION - GLOBAL PATTERNS
Read also: Exploring African Diaspora
Read also: Nigeria Demographics
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