Somalia Population 2026: 17.1M People, Density & Key Facts
Somalia is a country with vast stretches of largely empty land: 17.1M people across 637,657 km², giving a density of 27/km².
GDP per capita stands at $468: among the lower-income economies globally. The capital, Mogadishu, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Somalia's Population
With a population of 17.1M, Somalia is home to a significant number of people within its 637,657 km² of territory. The population density of 27/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a low density suggesting significant open space and rural areas across the country.
The capital city, Mogadishu, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Somalia. Somalia has a coastline of 3,333 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Somalia has a total GDP of $8.0B, translating to $468 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Somali Shilling (SOS).
Somalia gained independence in 1960 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official languages are Somali / Arabic, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the East Africa region, Somalia sits alongside Kenya (55.9M), Ethiopia (126.5M), Tanzania (63.7M). This regional context helps illustrate how Somalia's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Somalia's Population
What is the population of Somalia in 2026?
The population of Somalia is approximately 17.1M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Somalia?
The capital city of Somalia is Mogadishu, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Somalia?
Somalia has a population density of 27/km². This is a moderate population density.
What is the GDP per capita of Somalia?
Somalia has a GDP per capita of $468, with a total GDP of $8.0B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Somalia?
The official languages of Somalia are Somali / Arabic.
How big is Somalia?
Somalia covers a total area of 637,657 km². With a population of 17.1M, that gives a density of 27/km².
When did Somalia gain independence?
Somalia gained independence in 1960.
What currency is used in Somalia?
The official currency of Somalia is the Somali Shilling (SOS).
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