The Most Populated Countries in Africa (2022)

Africa is the second-largest continent in the world and it is blessed with several countries in it. These countries however have varying populations as well as other varying resources. So, what is the most populated country in Africa? This article would discuss the top 10 most populated countries in Africa, their population and world share.

Below is a table with the data of the most populated countries in Africa:

1. Nigeria

• Population: 216,746,934 

Popularly referred to as the Giant of Africa, Nigeria tops the list of the most populated countries in Africa. However, as the most populated country in Africa, Nigeria has a population of over 216 million. With several other intriguing attributes such as several natural resources and several ethnic groups.

Nigeria has one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. And is also the second-largest country in Africa after Algeria.

Lastly, Nigeria is a federal republic and it has 36 states. Its largest city is Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory is Abuja. Likewise, it is blessed with people of diverse languages and cultures, all so beautiful and unique.

2. Ethiopia

• Population: 120,812,698 

Ethiopia is the 2nd most populated country in Africa. It is officially referred to as the Federal Democratic Republic of Nigeria and is also usually considered the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia is also the 12th most populated country in the world with a population of over 120 million.

The national capital city and largest city is Addis Ababa.

3. Egypt

• Population: 106,156,692 

Egypt is the 3rd most populated country in Africa. And it is officially referred to as the Arab Republic of Egypt. It is also the 14th most populated country in the world.

Egypt however has one of the world’s most extensive histories. Its history started as far back as the 4th-6th Millenia period (BCE). Egypt(also known as Ancient Egypt) is regarded as the birthplace of civilisation, having witnessed the development of writing, agriculture, urbanization, organized religion, and central government.

Furthermore, the second-largest city in Egypt, Alexandria, is a major industrial and tourism destination on the Mediterranean coast. While Cairo is its capital and largest city.

Lastly, the country’s population according to the data gotten from the worldpopulationreview.com is over 106 million as of 2022.

4. The Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Population: 95,240,72 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the 4th most populated country in Africa and is located in Central Africa. By land area, it is the second-largest country in Africa and the 11th largest country in the world.

The world’s most populous Francophone city and largest city, Kinshasa is also in this country. However, Kinshasa is also the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Lastly, the country’s population is currently, as of 2022, over 95,240,72.

5. Tanzania

• Population: 63,298,550 

Tanzania is considered the 5th most populated country in Africa. It is located in East Africa within the African Great Lakes Region. And is likewise blessed with nature’s resources.

The famous African highest Mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro is also located in this country alongside other African great lakes (although some are partly within the country).

And lastly, the country’s current population is however over 63 million.

6. South Africa

• Population: 60,756,135 

South Africa is the 6th most populated country in Africa. And it takes the South region of Africa. It is the 23rd most populated country in the world.

However, South Africa is a multicultural country with many different cultures, languages, and religions. And its entire population as of 2022 is over 60 million.

7. Kenya

• Population:  56,215,221 

Kenya is the 7th most populated country in Africa. And is situated in the Eastern part of Africa. It is also the 29th most populated country in the world. With Nairobi being the current capital and largest city.

However, Kenya is likewise blessed with various natural resources and people with different cultures and beliefs. The population as of 2022 according to worldpopulationreview.com, is over 56 million.

8. Uganda

• Population: 48,432,863 

Uganda Flag Animation Close-up (Depth Of Field)

Uganda is the 8th most populated country in Africa with a population of over 48 Million as of 2022. However, the country has over the years continually worked towards poverty eradication. And according to some sources, the country has been listed as number 9 on the list of most successful countries in Africa as regards poverty eradication.

9. Algeria

• Population: 45,350,148 

Algeria is the 9th most populated country in Africa but has the largest country by land area in Africa. It is also the 32nd most populated country in the world. Also, it serves as a tourist attraction centre for tourists due to its diverse natural sights.

Algiers, the country’s capital and largest city, is situated on the Mediterranean coast in the far north. And serves as the most attractive spot. The country’s current population is over 45 million according to records gotten from the worldpopulationreview.com.

10. Sudan

• Population: 45,992,020 

Sudan is the 10th most populated country in Africa. And the last on the list for this article. Sudan is situated in Northeast Africa and was the former largest country in Africa by land area before the succession of South Sudan in 2011. However, as earlier listed, Algeria has taken over the position thereby returning it to the position of the third most populated country in Africa by land area.

Lastly, Khartoum is the capital, and Omdurman is the most populous city (part of the metropolitan area of Khartoum)

Here is a summary of the list of the most populated countries in Africa:

• Nigeria – 216,746,934 
• Ethiopia – 120,812,698 
• Egypt – 106,156,692 
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo – 95,240,72 
• Tanzania – 63,298,550 
• South Africa – 60,756,135 
• Kenya –  56,215,221 
• Uganda – 48,432,863 
• Algeria –  45,350,148 
• Sudan – 45,992,020