Urban Population: Eritrea
Eritrea's urban population is currently 34.5% as of 2024. # Eritrea Urban Population Eritrea's urban population reached 34.
Current (2024)
34.5%
-0.5% y/y
Peak (2012)
35.7%
Low (1960)
10.4%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1960–2024 · 65 pts
Urban Population — Eritrea
1960 — 2024
Urban Population — Eritrea
Analysis# Eritrea Urban Population
Eritrea's urban population reached 34.537% in 2024, down from its peak of 35.682% in 2012. This represents a dramatic transformation from 1960, when only 10.401% of the population lived in urban areas—a cumulative increase of 232.1% over six decades. The country experienced substantial urbanization throughout the late 20th century, driven by regional conflicts and economic shifts that accelerated rural-to-urban migration patterns.
Since 2012, Eritrea has entered a consistent decline in urbanization. Annual data from 2015 onward shows a steady decrease, dropping from 35.591% to 34.537% across nine years. This reversal likely reflects emigration pressures, economic constraints, and changing demographic patterns. If this downward trajectory continues, Eritrea's urban percentage could fall below 34% within the next few years, reversing gains achieved during decades of rapid urban growth.
Historical Data
65 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 34.5% | -0.46% |
| 2023 | 34.7% | -0.43% |
| 2022 | 34.8% | -0.40% |
| 2021 | 35.0% | -0.37% |
| 2020 | 35.1% | -0.34% |
| 2019 | 35.2% | -0.31% |
| 2018 | 35.3% | -0.28% |
| 2017 | 35.4% | -0.23% |
| 2016 | 35.5% | -0.19% |
| 2015 | 35.6% | -0.14% |
| 2014 | 35.6% | -0.09% |
| 2013 | 35.7% | -0.03% |
| 2012 | 35.7% | +0.03% |
| 2011 | 35.7% | +0.10% |
| 2010 | 35.6% | +0.17% |
| 2009 | 35.6% | +0.24% |
| 2008 | 35.5% | +0.31% |
| 2007 | 35.4% | +0.37% |
| 2006 | 35.3% | +0.43% |
| 2005 | 35.1% | +0.49% |
Show all 65 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 34.9% | +0.54% |
| 2003 | 34.7% | +0.59% |
| 2002 | 34.5% | +0.63% |
| 2001 | 34.3% | +0.67% |
| 2000 | 34.1% | +1.81% |
| 1999 | 33.5% | +3.37% |
| 1998 | 32.4% | +4.77% |
| 1997 | 30.9% | +6.01% |
| 1996 | 29.2% | +7.08% |
| 1995 | 27.2% | +7.94% |
| 1994 | 25.2% | +8.47% |
| 1993 | 23.3% | +8.58% |
| 1992 | 21.4% | +8.08% |
| 1991 | 19.8% | +6.80% |
| 1990 | 18.6% | +5.06% |
| 1989 | 17.7% | +5.95% |
| 1988 | 16.7% | +2.99% |
| 1987 | 16.2% | +2.74% |
| 1986 | 15.8% | +2.12% |
| 1985 | 15.4% | +1.82% |
| 1984 | 15.2% | +1.49% |
| 1983 | 14.9% | +1.38% |
| 1982 | 14.7% | +1.31% |
| 1981 | 14.5% | +1.24% |
| 1980 | 14.4% | +1.18% |
| 1979 | 14.2% | +1.14% |
| 1978 | 14.0% | +1.11% |
| 1977 | 13.9% | +1.10% |
| 1976 | 13.7% | +1.10% |
| 1975 | 13.6% | +1.11% |
| 1974 | 13.4% | +1.15% |
| 1973 | 13.3% | +1.19% |
| 1972 | 13.1% | +1.27% |
| 1971 | 13.0% | +1.34% |
| 1970 | 12.8% | +1.46% |
| 1969 | 12.6% | +1.58% |
| 1968 | 12.4% | +1.74% |
| 1967 | 12.2% | +1.89% |
| 1966 | 12.0% | +2.01% |
| 1965 | 11.7% | +2.15% |
| 1964 | 11.5% | +2.30% |
| 1963 | 11.2% | +2.44% |
| 1962 | 11.0% | +2.59% |
| 1961 | 10.7% | +2.76% |
| 1960 | 10.4% | — |
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