Ethiopia · Africa
How many people die in Ethiopia every day?
In Ethiopia, about 2,055 people die every day, roughly one death every 42 seconds. That is about 750,000 deaths a year, 1.2% of everyone who dies worldwide and the 14th highest total of 194 countries. Life expectancy is 65 years and the leading cause of death is lower respiratory infections. See every death on earth as it happens on the live death counter.
Deaths per day
2,055
Deaths per year
750,000
Life expectancy
65 years
Population
126,527,060
Death rate
5.9 per 1,000
Top cause of death
Lower respiratory infections
Compared to the World Average
Life expectancy
Ethiopia
65
World avg
72.8
-7.8 yrs
Death rate (per 1,000)
Ethiopia
5.9
World avg
7.7
Deaths in Ethiopia by time period
| Per hour | 86 |
| Per day | 2,055 |
| Per week | 14,384 |
| Per month | 62,500 |
| Per year | 750,000 |
What people die of in Ethiopia
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates, the single biggest cause of death in Ethiopia in 2023 was pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections, which accounted for 10.3% of all deaths, about 199 a day. It was followed by preterm birth complications and stroke.
Deaths from hypertensive heart disease have more than doubled since 2000, from about 9,084 to 26,890 a year. Deaths from diarrhoeal diseases have fallen by 74% since 2000, from about 148,437 to 37,943 a year.
| # | Cause | Deaths (2023) | Per day | Share | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections | 72,662 | 199 | 10.3% | -34% |
| 2 | Preterm birth complications | 45,016 | 123 | 6.4% | +4% |
| 3 | Stroke | 39,528 | 108 | 5.6% | +78% |
| 4 | Diarrhoeal diseases | 37,943 | 104 | 5.4% | -74% |
| 5 | Heart disease (ischaemic) | 29,098 | 80 | 4.1% | +170% |
| 6 | Hypertensive heart disease | 26,890 | 74 | 3.8% | +196% |
| 7 | Tuberculosis | 24,537 | 67 | 3.5% | -57% |
| 8 | Birth asphyxia and birth trauma | 23,126 | 63 | 3.3% | -34% |
| 9 | Kidney diseases | 22,512 | 62 | 3.2% | +92% |
| 10 | Road injuries | 20,765 | 57 | 2.9% | +20% |
Deaths in Ethiopia since 2000
WHO estimates that about 703,944 people died in Ethiopia in 2023, 27% fewer than in 2000. Totals rise as populations grow and age, even when health improves. WHO’s modelled estimates can differ from the headline figures above, which come from a different source.
| 2000 | 962,457 deaths |
| 2010 | 675,901 deaths |
| 2019 | 630,879 deaths |
| 2023 | 703,944 deaths |
Life expectancy in Ethiopia since 1950
A baby born in Ethiopia in 1950 could expect to live about 35.5 years. By 2023 that had risen to 67.3, a gain of 31.8 years. See how this compares worldwide on our life expectancy by country page.
| 1950 | 35.5 years |
| 1980 | 42.8 years |
| 2000 | 50.9 years |
| 2010 | 59.7 years |
| 2019 | 65.7 years |
| 2023 | 67.3 years |
Ethiopia compared with similar countries in Africa
Among the 50 countries in Africa on this site, Ethiopia ranks 13th for life expectancy. Here is how it compares with the countries closest to it in population.
| Country | Deaths per day | Life expectancy | Top cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia | 2,055 | 65 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Egypt | 1,589 | 70.2 | Cardiovascular disease |
| DR Congo | 2,329 | 60.7 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Nigeria | 5,753 | 52.7 | Malaria |
| Tanzania | 1,123 | 66.2 | HIV/AIDS |
| South Africa | 1,397 | 62.3 | HIV/AIDS |
Sources: WHO Global Health Estimates 2023 (deaths by cause and totals); UN World Population Prospects via Our World in Data (life expectancy). Figures are modelled estimates and are rounded.
Frequently asked questions
How many people die in Ethiopia every day?
In Ethiopia, about 2,055 people die every day, or roughly one death every 42 seconds. That adds up to about 750,000 deaths a year, 1.2% of all deaths worldwide.
What is the leading cause of death in Ethiopia?
Lower respiratory infections is the leading cause of death in Ethiopia. It is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, and most deaths from it could be avoided with prevention and treatment. Counting single causes, WHO's estimates put pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections first in 2023, with 10.3% of deaths.
What is the life expectancy in Ethiopia?
Life expectancy at birth in Ethiopia is 65 years, 7.8 years below the world average of 72.8. That ranks 147th of 194 countries.
Is the death rate in Ethiopia high?
Ethiopia records about 5.9 deaths per 1,000 people each year, below the world average of 7.7. Crude death rates are higher in countries with older populations, so a high rate does not always mean poor health care.