Population of Somalia
As of July 2026, the population of Somalia is 19.9 million. The number of inhabitants has increased by 591 thousand in the last year, representing a growth of 3.04%. The median age of the population has increased in recent years, rising from 15 years in 2016 to 15.5 years in 2026. Currently, life expectancy at birth is 58.6 years and population density is 31.7 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Population Growth
The population growth rate of Somalia peaked in 1979, reaching around 13.52% annually, but has since declined to approximately 2.98% in 2026. The annual increase in the number of people has also decreased from a peak of around 730.34 thousand in 1979 to nearly 590.99 thousand in 2026.
Life Expectancy
In Somalia, life expectancy at birth has been increasing, with the indicator rising from 50.6 years in 2006 to 58.6 years in 2026, representing an increase de 8 years over the past 2 decades.
Most populous cities in Somalia
The cities of Somalia are mostly small, but 10 stand out with more than 100 thousand inhabitants. The most populous city is Mogadishu, Banaadir, con una diferencia significativa sobre las demás, alcanzando approximately 2.6 million inhabitants. It is followed by Borama, Awdal with 597.8 thousand and Hargeysa, Woqooyi Galbeed with 477.9 thousand.
These are the 20 most populous cities in Somalia:
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mogadishu, Banaadir | 2,587,183 |
| 2 | Borama, Awdal | 597,842 |
| 3 | Hargeysa, Woqooyi Galbeed | 477,876 |
| 4 | Berbera, Woqooyi Galbeed | 242,344 |
| 5 | Kismayo, Lower Juba | 234,852 |
| 6 | Marka, Lower Shabeelle | 230,100 |
| 7 | El Dibir, Bari | 200,000 |
| 8 | Ruqi, Awdal | 148,702 |
| 9 | Baidoa, Bay | 129,839 |
| 10 | Cabudwaaq, Galguduud | 120,000 |
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Burao, Togdheer | 99,270 |
| 12 | Kaambooni, Lower Juba | 79,000 |
| 13 | Gebiley, Woqooyi Galbeed | 77,320 |
| 14 | Bosaso, Bari | 74,287 |
| 15 | Beled Hawo, Gedo | 73,000 |
| 16 | Balanbale, Galguduud | 68,000 |
| 17 | Afgooye, Lower Shabeelle | 65,461 |
| 18 | Gaalkacyo, Mudug | 61,200 |
| 19 | Laascaanood, Sool | 60,100 |
| 20 | Garoowe, Nugaal | 57,300 |