Over the last 76 years, Africa's population has increased from being less than half (228M) that of Europe to doubling Europe (1.6B)

  • Africa’s population grew by 580.4%, from 228M in 1950 to 1.6B in 2025, making it the fastest-growing continent.
  • Asia remains the most populated continent, reaching 4.8B people in 2025, up from 1.4B in 1950.
  • Europe’s growth has been the slowest, at just 35.6%, rising from 549M to 744M.
  • Latin America & the Caribbean grew by 298%, from 168M to 668M.
  • North America more than doubled its population, growing by 130.7% from 168M to 388M.
  • Oceania saw a 270% increase, though it remains the least populated continent at 47M people.
  • Africa’s population is now more than double Europe’s, a major demographic shift compared to 1950.

Over the past 76 years, global population growth has reshaped the demographic balance between continents, with Africa experiencing the fastest growth. From just 228 million people in 1950, Africa’s population has expanded by over 580%, reaching 1.6 billion in 2025—a number that is now more than double Europe’s population.

In 1950, Africa’s population was less than half of Europe’s. Today, however, Africa has overtaken Europe by a wide margin and is shaping the future of the global labour force, consumer markets, and urban development. This explosive growth points to both opportunities and challenges—from economic potential to infrastructure needs and sustainability concerns.

Asia remains the most populated continent, growing from 1.4 billion in 1950 to nearly 4.8 billion in 2025, a 253% increase. Meanwhile, Europe has seen only modest growth of 35.6% over the same period, with its population rising from 549 million to 744 million. Other regions, such as Latin America & the Caribbean (298% growth) and Northern America (131% growth), have also recorded significant increases, though none as dramatic as Africa’s.

Source:

Worldometer

Period:

1950-2025
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The most populous country per region varies from Nigeria's 238M to South Africa's 65M
  • Nigeria leads Africa with 238 million people in July 2025.
  • Namibia, though the second largest in the South, has only 3 million people.
  • In Eastern Africa, Ethiopia (135M) and Tanzania (71M) dominate.
  • Egypt (118M) and Sudan (52M) are Northern Africa’s population leaders.
  • South Africa (65M) is Southern Africa’s most populous country, far ahead of Namibia.
  • In West Africa, Nigeria (238M) and Ghana (35M) are the most populous, showing a wide gap within the region.
Gabon's urban population share of 84% is the highest in Africa while Burundi (15%) has the lowest share
  • Gabon (84%) is Africa’s most urbanised country, while Burundi (15%) is the least.
  • Five of the top 10 urbanised African countries have an urban share above 75%.
  • Small island nations like Cabo Verde (79%) and Sao Tome & Principe (78%) rank highly, reflecting their concentrated settlements.
  • Resource-rich countries like Libya (78%), Botswana (76%), and Algeria (74%) show strong urbanisation patterns.
  • Ethiopia (23%) and Uganda (30%) highlight the urbanisation gap among high-population countries.
  • Nigeria sits at 55%, ranked 19th, reflecting moderate urbanisation compared to other African giants.
  • Most of the bottom 10 countries, such as Malawi (20%), Niger (18%), and Rwanda (18%), are still heavily rural, signalling slower urban development.
Africa's urban population, currently at 45%, is forecasted to exceed 50% by 2035
  • Africa’s urban population has grown more than twelvefold, from 53 million in 1960 to nearly 700 million by 2025.
  • The share of Africans living in urban areas has risen from 18.7% in 1960 to 45% in 2025, and is projected to hit 57% by 2045.
  • Africa will reach a 50% urban population by 2035, where half of its population will reside in cities.
  • From 2000 to 2025, Africa’s urban population nearly tripled, highlighting the intensity of recent growth.
  • By 2045, 1.3 billion Africans will live in urban centres, making city development central to the continent’s progress.
With a median age of 19 years, Africa has the youngest population, while Europe has the oldest population (43 years)
  • Africa has the youngest population globally, with a median age of 19.3 years.
  • Europe has the oldest population, with a median age of 42.8 years.
  • North America follows closely behind Europe, with a median age of 38.7 years.
  • Oceania’s median age stands at 33.4 years, slightly higher than Asia’s.
  • Asia’s population is relatively younger than Europe and North America, with a 32.5-year median age.
  • The age gap between Africa and Europe is over 23 years, showing the stark global demographic divide.
Western and Eastern Africa together represent over 63% (957B) of the continent's total 1.52 billion population
  • Africa’s population in H1 2025 stood at 1.51 billion.
  • Eastern Africa is the most populous region with 500.7M people (33.0%).
  • Western Africa follows with 456.3M (30.1%).
  • Together, Eastern and Western Africa account for over 63% of Africa’s total population.
  • Southern Africa is the least populous with 73.1M (4.8%).
Africa's population share has accelerated from 9.3% in 1955 to 18.8% in 2025
  • Africa’s share of the global population has more than doubled, from 9.3% in 1955 to an estimated 18.8% in 2025.
  • The most rapid growth has occurred since 2000, increasing from 13.5% to 18.8% over 26 years.
  • Between 1980 and 2000, Africa’s share rose modestly from 10.9% to 13.5%.
  • The most significant 20-year gain occurred between 2000 and 2020, with an increase of 4 percentage points.
  • Population growth in Africa contrasts with stagnation or decline in many other parts of the world.
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