15 Countries with the Largest Black Populations Worldwide

The Black community, known as the cradle of humanity, is a large and diverse group that has existed across continents and cultures since the time of Biblical Adam. Through their pioneering work in music, arts, sciences, and technology, Black people have made significant contributions to world advancement.

About 2.1 billion people, or 27% of the global population, are thought to identify as Black. About 60% of the world’s population is Asian, with White people making up the next largest group at about 8%. The remaining population is split between other ethnic groups.

The vast majority of Black people live in Africa, but significant populations also exist in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. This article will only cover the top 15 countries with the largest Black populations worldwide.

Note: that most of these figures may vary depending on the source and criteria used.

15. Sudan

Sudan has a population of 52 million people, approximately 26 million Black people (50%), making it the 15th nation with the largest Black population worldwide. Located in Northeast Africa, Sudan borders the Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Eritrea.

Cities like Khartoum, Omdurman, and Port Sudan thrive, and the country’s landscapes feature the Nile River and the Nubian Desert, with ancient civilizations like the Kingdom of Kush showcasing its rich heritage.

14. Cameroon

Cameroon has a population of 30 million people, approximately 27 million Black people (90-95%), making it the 14th nation with the largest Black population worldwide. Situated in Central Africa, Cameroon shares borders with the Central African Republic, Gabon, Nigeria, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, and the Atlantic Ocean.

The country boasts diverse landscapes, featuring rainforests, mountains, and savannas home to wildlife like gorillas, chimps, and elephants. Cities like Yaoundé, Douala, and Bamenda thrive, and the economy is driven by cocoa, coffee, and oil production.

13. Madagascar

Madagascar has a population of 31.5 million people, approximately 31 million Black people (98-99%), making it the 13th nation with the largest Black population worldwide. The Malagasy people have a diverse cultural heritage influenced by African, Asian, and Indonesian ancestors.

The island nation has unique wildlife and landscapes, including iconic lemurs, baobab trees, and vibrant traditions. Cities like Antananarivo, Toamasina, and Antsirabe thrive, and the economy is driven by agriculture (vanilla, cloves, cocoa) and tourism.

12. Ghana

Ghana has a population of 35 million people, with approximately 34.6 million Black people (99%), ranking as the world’s 12th largest Black population. Located in West Africa, Ghana borders Burkina Faso, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, with a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea.

Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi are thriving cities, with gold, cocoa, and oil production driving the economy. Ghana’s rich cultural traditions, music, and historical sites, such as Cape Coast Castle, attract visitors, showcasing the country’s natural beauty and warm hospitality.

11. Mozambique

Mozambique has a population of 36 million people, of which 35.6 million are Black (99%), making it the world’s 11th largest Black population. Located in Southeast Africa, Mozambique borders South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini, with a coastline along the Indian Ocean.

Cities like Maputo, Beira, and Nampula thrive, and the economy is driven by aluminium, coal, and gas production. Mozambique’s stunning landscapes, which include beaches, islands, and national parks, make it a popular tourist destination.

10. Angola

Angola has a population of 39 million people, with approximately 35.1 million Black people (90%), ranking as the world’s 10th largest Black population.

Located in Southern Africa, Angola borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Zambia, and the Atlantic Ocean. Cities such as Luanda, Huambo, and Benguela thrive, and the economy is driven by oil production and plentiful mineral resources.

9. Uganda

Uganda has a population of 41 million people, with approximately 40.6 million Black people (99%), placing it as the world’s 9th largest Black population. Located in East Africa, Uganda borders South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Cities like Kampala, Entebbe, and Jinja thrive, and the country’s stunning landscapes feature savannas, mountains, and lakes. Uganda’s lively music, dance, and cultural heritage contribute to the country’s vibrant atmosphere.

8. Kenya

Kenya has a population of 43 million people, including approximately 42.57 million Black people (99%), making it the world’s 8th largest Black population.

Located in East Africa, Kenya borders South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Indian Ocean. Cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu thrive, with ethnic groups such as the Kikuyu, Luhya, and Luo contributing to the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

7. Tanzania

Tanzania has a population of 44.5 million people, of which approximately 44 million are Black (99%), making it the world’s 7th largest Black population. Located in East Africa, Tanzania shares borders with Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.

The country is home to natural wonders like Mount Kilimanjaro, the Zanzibar Archipelago, and the Serengeti National Park, with Bantu-speaking peoples like the Sukuma, Nyamwezi, and Chagga contributing to its rich cultural heritage.

6. South Africa

South Africa has a population of 60.4 million people, with approximately 50.5 million Black people (81.4%), making it the world’s 6th largest Black population. Located at Africa’s southern tip, South Africa borders Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini. The nation is renowned for its diverse wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and lively culture.

5. United States

The United States has a population of around 331.9 million people, with an estimated 46.8 million Black people (14.1%), making it the world’s 5th largest Black population.

The Black population in the United States is diverse, with origins in West and Central Africa, and has had a significant impact on American history, culture, and identity. Black Americans are concentrated in cities such as New York City, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, as well as in the Southern states, particularly the “Black Belt” region spanning Virginia to Mississippi.

4. DR Congo

The DR Congo has a population of approximately 111.8 million people, with about 106 million Black people (95%), making it the 4th country with the largest Black population worldwide. Ethnic groups such as the Kongo, Luba, and Mongo contribute to the country’s heritage. With more than 450 different ethnic groups and hundreds of languages spoken, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a culturally rich and diverse country.

3. Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a population of approximately 115.5 million people, with around 108 million Black people (95%), making it the country with the third-largest Black population worldwide.

Interestingly, Ethiopia is one of Africa’s oldest nations, with a long history and a vibrant culture. The nation’s varied heritage is influenced by ethnic groups like the Oromo, Amhara, and Tigray.

2. Brazil

Brazil has a population of approximately 212.6 million people, with about 112.7 million people of African descent (55%), making it the country with the second-largest Black population worldwide.

Black Brazilians have made significant contributions to the country’s culture, music, and identity, particularly in Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo.

1. Nigeria

Nigeria has a population of approximately 232 million people, with about 218 million Black people (95%), making it the country with the world’s largest Black population. Over 250 ethnic groups, including the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, have contributed to the nation’s legacy.

Nigeria’s influence extends far beyond its borders, with its citizens making significant contributions to global culture, sports, politics, and economics. In addition, Nigeria’s music and film industries are booming, with Afrobeat and Highlife becoming well-known worldwide and Nollywood ranking among the biggest film industries in the world.

References

Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). (2022). Sudan Population and Housing Census 2022.
Central Statistical Agency (CSA). (2022). Population and Housing Census of Ethiopia.
Ghana Statistical Service. (2022). Ghana Population and Housing Census 2021.
Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). (2022). Censo Demográfico 2022.
Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE). (2022). Censo 2022. Angola.
Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE). (2022). Censo 2022. Mozambique.
Institut National de la Statistique (INS). (2022). Enquête Démographique et de Santé (EDS) 2022. Cameroon.
Institut National de la Statistique (INS). (2022). Enquête par Grappes à Indicateurs Multiples (MICS) 2022. DR Congo.
Institut National de la Statistique (INSTAT). (2022). Enquête Démographique et de Santé (EDS) 2022. Madagascar.
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). (2022). Kenya Population and Housing Census 2019.
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). (2022). Population and Housing Census. Nigeria.
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). (2022). Tanzania Population and Housing Census 2022.
Population Reference Bureau (PRB). (2022). World Population Data Sheet 2022.
Statistics South Africa. (2022). Mid-year Population Estimates 2022.
Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). (2022). Uganda Population and Housing Census 2022.
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). (2022). World Population Prospects 2022.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). American Community Survey (ACS) 2022.
World Bank. (2022). World Development Indicators, 2022.

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