Africa

Africa
1.5 Billion
Largest Country: Nigeria
228 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 4.1, ranging from 2.5 in Southern Africa to 5.5 in Middle Africa. Its population is projected to grow from 1.5 billion in 2024 to 2.4 billion in 2050, accounting for over 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-2024

In millions

Total Fertility Rate

Lifetime births per woman

Nursing and Midwifery Personnel Per 10,000 Population, 2018/2022
Data Unavailable

Population Age Structure

Age distribution by sub-region

Projected Population Change 2024-2050

Percent change in population

Western Africa

Western Africa Population, mid-2024

In millions

Total Fertility Rate

Lifetime births per woman

Nursing and Midwifery Personnel Per 10,000 Population, 2018/2022

Population Age Structure

Age distribution by sub-region

Projected Population Change 2024-2050

Percent change in population

Eastern Africa

Eastern Africa Population, mid-2024

In millions

Total Fertility Rate

Lifetime births per woman

Nursing and Midwifery Personnel Per 10,000 Population, 2018/2022
Data Unavailable

Population Age Structure

Age distribution by sub-region

Projected Population Change 2024-2050

Percent change in population

Middle Africa

Middle Africa Population, mid-2024

In millions

Total Fertility Rate

Lifetime births per woman

Nursing and Midwifery Personnel Per 10,000 Population, 2018/2022

Population Age Structure

Age distribution by sub-region

Projected Population Change 2024-2050

Percent change in population

Southern Africa

Southern Africa Population, mid-2024

In millions

Total Fertility Rate

Lifetime births per woman

Nursing and Midwifery Personnel Per 10,000 Population, 2018/2022

Population Age Structure

Age distribution by sub-region

Projected Population Change 2024-2050

Percent change in population

World Population Data Sheet

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