Somalia

The population of Somalia is approximately 20M (2024).

The capital of Somalia is Mogadishu.

Somalia's GDP per capita is $682.37 (2024).

Life expectancy in Somalia is 58.97 years (2024).

Somalia covers 637,657 km² (246,201 sq mi).

Somalia is sparsely populated, averaging 32 people per km², below the global average of 60.

Somalia's population is growing rapidly at 3.5% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Somalia falls in the low GDP-per-person tier at $682.37. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Somalia has 2 official languages: Arabic, Somali.

Somalia uses the Somali shilling (Sh) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Somalia are January, February, August, September, December, based on climate data for the capital.

Somalia has a population of approximately 20.4 million people according to current estimates. This population size places the nation at a rank of 67th globally and 24th within Africa. The country is currently experiencing a high annual growth rate of approximately 3.5%, driven by a fertility rate of 6.0 births per woman.

The latest GDP per capita for Somalia is 682 USD, which ranks 207th globally and 50th among African nations. The total GDP is approximately 12 billion USD with an annual growth rate of 4.1%. Economic activity is primarily driven by agriculture and livestock, which are vital for both domestic consumption and export markets.

Recent data indicates that the adult literacy rate in Somalia is 54.1%. This figure places the country at a rank of 155th out of 170 nations surveyed globally. Educational infrastructure is steadily being rebuilt after years of conflict, with a particular focus on expanding access to primary schooling and vocational training programs.

Life expectancy at birth in Somalia is approximately 59 years, according to the latest available data. This health indicator ranks the country 210th out of 215 globally, reflecting the ongoing need for improved healthcare infrastructure and access to clean water. Efforts to reduce infant and maternal mortality are central to the nation's current health strategy.

The current unemployment rate in Somalia is 18.9%, which ranks as the 9th highest rate globally according to recent estimates. High levels of youth unemployment remain a significant challenge for the federal government. Economic diversification into sectors like natural gas and fishing is viewed as a potential path for creating sustainable long-term jobs.

Approximately 27.9% of the Somali population are internet users, placing the nation at a rank of 189th globally for digital connectivity. While the percentage of users is relatively low compared to the global average, the country has a remarkably vibrant mobile banking sector. This digital infrastructure facilitates essential financial transactions across both urban and rural areas.

Somalia currently holds the global rank of 67 out of 215 countries and territories. Regionally, it is ranked 24th in Africa and 9th within Eastern Africa. Its position has steadily risen as its high annual growth rate outpaces many other nations in the region and across the globe.

The population is growing at an annual rate of approximately 3.5%, according to the latest official data. This expansion results in a net increase of about 1,814 people every day. This rapid growth is primarily due to a high birth rate that significantly exceeds the mortality rate.

Somalia has an estimated 2026 population density of 32.4 people per km² (83.9 per sq mi). This density is relatively low, ranking 171st globally. Most of the population is concentrated in the southern regions near the Juba and Shabelle rivers and in major urban centers like Mogadishu.

The fertility rate in Somalia is 6.0 births per woman, which is the 2nd highest in the world according to recent rankings. This high rate is a primary driver of the country's rapid population growth. Traditional social structures and limited access to reproductive health services contribute to these figures.

Recent data indicates that 54.6% of the Somali population resides in urban areas. This makes Somalia more urbanized than many of its neighbors in Eastern Africa. The trend is driven by people seeking better security, economic opportunities, and access to services in cities like Mogadishu and Hargeisa.