These 10 least populated countries in Africa are unique in their geographical locations, historical origins, and struggles for independence. While having smaller populations, each country showcases its own distinct cultural, political, and economic characteristics.
- Seychelles
The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa.
The country gained her independence from Britain on June 29, 1976.
As of 2021, the estimated population of Seychelles is around 98,462 people.
- Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation situated in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western coast of Central Africa.
It gained independence from Portugal on July 12, 1975.
And the current estimated population of the country is approximately 220,087.
- Comoros
Comoros is a volcanic archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa.
Comoros declared independence from France on July 6, 1975.
As of 2021, the population of Comoros stands at around 869,601 people.
- Cabo Verde (Cape Verde)
Cape Verde is an island country situated in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the western coast of Africa.
Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975.
The current estimated population of Cape Verde is approximately 561,895 people.
- Djibouti
Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa and borders Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
It gained independence from France on June 27, 1977.
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As of 2021, the population of Djibouti stands at around 1,012,182 people.
- Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is a small country located on the west coast of Central Africa, sharing borders with Gabon and Cameroon.
Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain on October 12, 1968.
The current estimated population of Equatorial Guinea is approximately 1,485,245 people.
- The Gambia
The Gambia is a small, narrow country in West Africa, surrounded by Senegal.
The Gambia gained independence from Britain on February 18, 1965.
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As of 2021, the estimated population of The Gambia is around 2,524,309 people.
- Lesotho
Lesotho is a landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa.
Lesotho gained independence from Britain on October 4, 1966.
The current estimated population of Lesotho is approximately 2,142,249.
- Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique.
Eswatini gained independence from Britain on September 6, 1968.
As of 2021, the population of Eswatini stands at around 1,160,164 people.
- Mauritius
Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa.
Mauritius gained independence from Britain on March 12, 1968.
The current estimated population of Mauritius is approximately 1,271,768 people.