Top 10 Most Populous African Countries

Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy by gross domestic product. Its economic status is largely driven by its enormous population which stands at 220,624,893 people. It is also the general trend that the richest countries in Africa have the highest numbers of inhabitants.

The following are the top 10 most populous countries in Africa;

1. Nigeria

1. 1. The West African country is the most populous in Africa with 220,624,893 people.
   2. Its population is spread across 36 states in a federal system of government.
   3. Kano and Lagos states are the most populated with approximately 14 and 12 million people respectively.

Also read: 10 Least Populated Countries in Africa

2. Ethiopia

1. 1. Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa with roughly half as many inhabitants as Nigeria.
   2. The country found in the horn of Africa has a population of 123,036,782.
   3. Ethiopia, a landlocked country, banks on its extensive infrastructure projects to facilitate trade.
   4. Its capital Addis is linked to the Djibouti seaport by a 759-kilometer railway that moves a huge chunk of the country’s trade.

3. Egypt

1. 1. Egypt is the third most populous country in Africa with 102,334,404 people.
   2. The North African country is also considered part of the Arab World and is a major tourist destination.
   3. The pyramids at Giza attract high numbers of tourists who visit and marvel at the ancient architectural masterpieces.

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo

1. 1. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a Central African country with a population of 97,402,291.
   2. Alongside South Africa, it is one of the countries highly endowed with rare minerals beneath its soil.
   3. It is also among the largest countries in Africa by size.
   4. Its recent admission to the East African Community (EAC) banked on its large population, thus extending the common market within the EAC regional bloc.

5. Tanzania

1. 1. The United Republic of Tanzania is the fifth most populous African country with a population of 61,741,120.
   2. The country’s population is spread across the larger mainland Tanzania and the semi-autonomous Zanzibar island.
   3. While the mainland excels in agriculture and mining, the island is a major tourist destination with a rich history and heritage.

6. South Africa

1. 1. South Africa is the sixth most populous country in Africa with a population of 61,360,181.
   2. It is also the third largest economy in Africa behind Nigeria and Egypt.
   3. South Africa has enjoyed economic growth that is driven by its mineral wealth and other sectors of its economy.

7. Kenya

1. 1. Kenya is the 7th most populous country in Africa with 53,771,296 people.
   2. The East African country is one of the most successful nations in Africa and has enjoyed a long period of stability.
   3. Its capital Nairobi is a major commercial hub in the East African region.

8. Uganda

1. 1. Uganda is an East African nation with a population of 45,741,007 people.
   2. It borders Kenya to the east and like its southern neighbor Tanzania, Uganda prides itself on agriculture.
   3. The three countries share Lake Victoria in their territories.
   4. Uganda is known as the pearl of Africa because it is the source of the longest river (Nile) and has the largest freshwater lake on the continent.

Also read: List of African Union (AU) Member Countries

9. Algeria

1. 1. Algeria is the ninth most populous country in Africa.
   2. The North African country has a population of 43,851,044 people.

10. Sudan

1. 1. Sudan has the tenth-highest population in Africa.
   2. The country suffered protracted political instability that saw it split in 2011.
   3. The Southern part became the Republic of South Sudan which has since joined the East African Community (EAC)