World: Highest Population Growth Rates, by country
CountryPopulation growth rate,
in %
SyriaSyria6.39
South SudanSouth Sudan4.78
NigerNiger3.66
BurundiBurundi3.59
Equatorial GuineaEquatorial Guinea3.36
AngolaAngola3.34
BeninBenin3.31
UgandaUganda3.22
DR CongoDR Congo3.13
ChadChad3.05
MaliMali2.93
ZambiaZambia2.86
GuineaGuinea2.75
TanzaniaTanzania2.75
CameroonCameroon2.73
LiberiaLiberia2.71
SudanSudan2.55
MozambiqueMozambique2.55
Guinea-BissauGuinea-Bissau2.54
NigeriaNigeria2.53
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Time period: 2023
  • Published: Apr 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 13, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Syria leads in population growth rate

Syria experiences the highest population growth rate at 6.39%, which significantly surpasses South Sudan, the country with the second-highest rate, by 1.61 percentage points.

Top three countries by population growth

The countries with the top three population growth rates are Syria (6.39%), South Sudan (4.78%), and Niger (3.66%), highlighting a notable variance in growth rates within the top positions.

African nations dominate high growth rates

Nineteen out of the twenty countries listed are in Africa, underscoring the continent's significant demographic expansion. Only Syria, a Middle Eastern country, breaks this pattern.

Growth rates above 3%

Ten countries report population growth rates above 3%, indicating rapid demographic expansions that could double their populations in less than 24 years.

Sub-Saharan Africa's demographic trends

Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Niger, Burundi, and Angola, showcase some of the highest growth rates globally, with figures ranging from 3.34% to 3.66%.

Population growth rate and economic implications

Countries like Nigeria, with a growth rate of 2.53%, and Angola at 3.34%, might face challenges in providing education, healthcare, and employment for their rapidly increasing populations.

Narrow growth rate range among lower-ranked countries

The difference between the lowest and highest growth rates among the listed countries is 3.86 percentage points, from Syria’s 6.39% to Nigeria's 2.53%, indicating a relatively narrow range of growth rates across these fast-growing populations.

Equatorial Guinea's unique position

Equatorial Guinea is the only listed country not in Sub-Saharan Africa or the Middle East, with a notable growth rate of 3.36%, highlighting its demographic anomaly compared to regional trends.

Population growth rates and resource planning

Countries with growth rates exceeding 3%, such as Uganda (3.22%) and DR Congo (3.13%), underscore the urgency for strategic resource allocation and infrastructure development to accommodate their burgeoning populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has the highest population growth rate?

Syria has the highest population growth rate, standing at 6.39%.

What are the top three countries by population growth rate?

The top three countries by population growth rate are Syria at 6.39%, South Sudan at 4.78%, and Niger at 3.66%.

What is unique about the distribution of high population growth countries?

There are 19 out of the top 20 countries with the highest population growth rate that are located in Africa, highlighting this continent's significant demographic expansion.

Terms and Definitions

A measure of the increase in the number of individuals in a population over a specific period of time, typically expressed as a percentage of the total population at the start of the period. It takes into account both the birth rate and death rate, as well as migration.

Defined as the total number of live births per 1,000 of a population in a year. It's often used as an indicator of a nation's reproductive level and demographic health.

Also known as mortality rate, the death rate is the number of deaths that occur per 1,000 individuals in a population within a specific time period, usually one year.

The fertility rate is the average number of children that would be born to a woman throughout her reproductive years, assuming she survives to the end of her reproductive life. This serves as an indicator of childbearing patterns in a population.

Population Density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. This demographic measurement provides an insight into the living conditions and lifestyle of a population.
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Demography studies the characteristics of human populations, including aspects such as birth rate, death rate, migration, and how these elements can influence societal structure and development. Read more »