Population of Algeria

Algeria has an estimated 2026 population of approximately 48 million people, according to the latest projections. It currently holds the position of the 33rd most populous nation in the world and the 3rd largest in Northern Africa. The population continues to grow at an annual rate of approximately 1.4%, driven by a steady fertility rate and significant improvements in life expectancy. Although the country covers a vast land area, the majority of the population is concentrated in the fertile northern regions near the Mediterranean coast.

The population of Algeria has undergone dramatic changes since the country gained independence in July 1962. At the time of independence, the population was approximately 11 million people. In the following decades, the nation experienced a period of rapid demographic expansion known as the post-independence baby boom, fueled by improved healthcare and a high fertility rate that often exceeded 7 children per woman during the 1970s. During the 1990s, the country faced significant internal conflict, which influenced migration patterns and temporarily slowed some aspects of social development. However, the early 21st century saw a stabilization of growth. National policies shifted toward improving education and housing, leading to a more gradual but consistent population increase. The transition from a predominantly rural society to one where three-quarters of the population resides in cities has been one of the most defining historical trends for the nation.

Current estimates show that Algeria maintains an annual population growth rate of approximately 1.4%. This growth is supported by a fertility rate of 2.7 children per woman, which is higher than the replacement level but significantly lower than historical peaks. The birth rate remains steady at approximately 18.8 births per 1,000 people, while the death rate is relatively low at 4.6 deaths per 1,000 people, reflecting a young and healthy demographic profile. Projections suggest the population will continue to expand throughout the coming decades, potentially approaching 60 million by the middle of the century. The government faces the ongoing challenge of providing infrastructure, employment, and social services for its expanding youth population. While the fertility rate has seen a slight decline from previous years, the large number of people entering reproductive age ensures that the total population will continue to rise for the foreseeable future.

The estimated 2026 population density is 20.2 people per km² (52.3 per sq mi), though this figure is highly uneven due to the vast Sahara Desert covering much of the southern territory.

Current estimates indicate that 75.3% of the population lives in urban areas, a high level of urbanization that reflects the concentration of economic activity and services in northern cities like Algiers and Oran.

According to the latest ranking, Algeria is the 33rd most populous country globally and holds the 10th position within Africa. Within the subregion of Northern Africa, it ranks 3rd of 6 nations, trailing Egypt and Sudan but remaining more populous than its neighbors Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya. Its vast geographic size makes it the largest country in Africa by area, yet its population density remains low compared to its peers. While Egypt has a much larger total population, Algeria shares similar demographic trends with its Maghreb neighbors, such as increasing urbanization and a gradual decline in fertility. Its global rank of 33 places it ahead of several European and Middle Eastern nations, underscoring its role as a major demographic and economic power within the Mediterranean basin and the African continent.