Ethiopia: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Ethiopia — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
109,224,559
#12 of 197 countries
Area
1,104,300 km²
#29 of 248 countries
Density
98.9 / km²
#112 of 245 countries

Ethiopia has a population of 109,224,559 spread across 1,104,300 km², giving it an average density of 98.9 people per km². It ranks among the 20 most populous countries in the world.

Most Populous Cities

Addis Ababa
3,860,000
27551 / km²
Jijiga
483,000
5273 / km²
Gondar
466,000
8622 / km²
Mekelle
457,900
4322 / km²
Adama
456,900
12043 / km²
Werder, Ethiopia
450,400
284 / km²
Hawassa
422,200
7206 / km²
Bahir Dar
350,000
33992 / km²
Dire Dawa
343,000
6980 / km²
Dessie
270,400
14503 / km²

Demographics

Median Age
20.6
Life Expectancy
67.7 yrs
Literacy Rate
60.5%
Government
federal parliamentary republic
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Ethiopia is classified as a not classified country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 34% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
Not classified
GDP per Capita
$1,056
Cost of Living
34% of US
Inflation
30.2%
Inequality
31.1
Moderate