Mauritius had the highest population density level in Africa as of 2023, with nearly 630 inhabitants per square kilometer. The country has also one of the smallest territories on the continent, which contributes to the high density. As a matter of fact, the majority of African countries with the largest concentration of people per square kilometer have the smallest geographical area as well. The exception is Nigeria, which ranks among the largest territorial countries in Africa and is very densely populated at the same time. After all, Nigeria has also the largest population on the continent.
Population density in Africa as of 2023, by country
(in people per square kilometer)
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
United Nations. (July 15, 2024). Population density in Africa as of 2023, by country (in people per square kilometer) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1218003/population-density-in-africa-by-country/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
United Nations. "Population density in Africa as of 2023, by country (in people per square kilometer)." Chart. July 15, 2024. Statista. Accessed March 31, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1218003/population-density-in-africa-by-country/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
United Nations. (2024). Population density in Africa as of 2023, by country (in people per square kilometer). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: March 31, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1218003/population-density-in-africa-by-country/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
United Nations. "Population Density in Africa as of 2023, by Country (in People per Square Kilometer)." Statista, Statista Inc., 15 Jul 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1218003/population-density-in-africa-by-country/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
United Nations, Population density in Africa as of 2023, by country (in people per square kilometer) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1218003/population-density-in-africa-by-country/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed (last visited March 31, 2025)
Population density in Africa as of 2023, by country (in people per square kilometer) [Graph], United Nations, July 15, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1218003/population-density-in-africa-by-country/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
