Somalia’s population rose to 19.7 m people in 2025.

Neither way is good in itself. A larger population can mean a bigger workforce and market, or heavier demands on food, water and services, so the direction alone does not settle whether it is good. The latest estimate is 19.7 million people for January 2025, up from 19 million a year earlier. That is a rise of 0.65 million, or 3.4%. Since 2016 the estimate has climbed from a low of 14.3 million, and the latest figure is the highest in that span.

Why it matters. Growth of 3.4% in a year means roughly 0.65 million more people to feed, house and educate, so household budgets and public services are stretched across a rising headcount. For firms, a population of 19.7 million is a growing pool of customers and workers. For the state, each year's growth adds to the number of citizens it must plan schools, clinics and water supply for.