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Eritrean Railway, showing mountainous terrain traversed between Arbaroba and Asmara. Български: Еритрейската ЖП линия е посроена през италианското…
Eritrea

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View of Lalibela, Ethiopia
Ethiopia

Photo: Bernard Gagnon derivative work: ויקיג'אנקי · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale

Eritrea and Ethiopia

Eritrea and Ethiopia compared on 213 statistics from 43 publishers, each reading with its own year. In the Country Index 2026, Eritrea is placed 177th and Ethiopia is placed 153rd of 183 countries.

Share

Country Index 2026 · standing

177thEritreaof 183 placed · would sit between 174th and 179th if any one key statistic were dropped
153rdEthiopiaof 183 placed · would sit between 148th and 159th if any one key statistic were dropped

A standing is a place in this site’s own index of published statistics, not a score. The full Country Index 2026

At a glance

  • Population37×

    Eritrea: 3,470,390people

    Ethiopia: 128,691,692people

    2023 · UN DESA Population Division

  • Land area9.3×

    Eritrea: 120,800km²

    Ethiopia: 1,122,135km²

    2024 · FAO

  • GDP per person

    Eritrea: No readinginternational $, PPP

    Ethiopia: 3,095international $, PPP

    2025 · World Bank Group

  • Life expectancy

    Eritrea: 68.62years at birth

    Ethiopia: 67.31years at birth

    2023 · UN DESA Population Division

  • Human development

    Eritrea: 0.503HDI, 0–1

    Ethiopia: 0.497HDI, 0–1

    2023 · UNDP Human Development Report Office

  • Unemployment

    Eritrea: 5.978% of the labour force

    Ethiopia: 3.323% of the labour force

    2025 · ILO

The newest published figure for each, as each country’s profile prints it. A multiple is given for the two sizes only.

01The answer first

In short

Ethiopia has 37 times as many people, and 9.3 times the land area.

Measured as places in each statistic’s own field, the two are furthest apart on armed forces personnel (4.6 and 0.12, U.S. Department of State 2019), political violence by non-state actors (-1.679 and 2.268, V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg 2025) and government cyber security capacity (-0.731 and 2.223, V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg 2025). They are closest on social media censorship (-2.637 and -2.891, V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg 2025), rural access to electricity (43.2 and 44.8, World Bank Group 2024) and human Development Index (0.503 and 0.497, UNDP Human Development Report Office 2023).

For 32 of the 213 shared statistics the newest readings describe different years. Those rows print both years and are left out of every comparison above.

Nothing here counts the statistics on which one country is placed higher than the other: such a count would weigh a minor survey question the same as life expectancy. The one overall answer this site gives is the Country Index 2026, below.

02Country Index 2026

Subject by subject in the Country Index

Each country’s place among the countries with a standing on each subject, first on the left. A standing is built from a few key statistics per subject; how it is made is on the index’s own page.

The full index
  1. Governance & Institutionsjoint 191st · 144th of 194
  2. Economy & Innovation— · 148th of 176Eritrea has no standing on Economy & Innovation: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 4 key statistics a standing needs.
  3. Work & Labourjoint 117th · 116th of 182
  4. Education & Knowledge194th · 178th of 198
  5. Health & Wellbeing151st · 174th of 200
  6. Development & Human Capital181st · 174th of 196
  7. Environment & Sustainabilityjoint 15th · 52nd of 186
  8. Gender & Equality165th · 127th of 183
  9. Democracy & Civil Liberties198th · 151st of 198
  10. Peace & Securityjoint 126th · 155th of 177
  11. Risk & Resilience162nd · 172nd of 193
  12. Mobility & Trade177th · — of 177Ethiopia has no standing on Mobility & Trade: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 4 key statistics a standing needs.
  13. Food & Agriculture179th · 145th of 184
  14. Poverty & Inequality— · 107th of 159Eritrea has no standing on Poverty & Inequality: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 3 key statistics a standing needs.
  15. Energyjoint 127th · — of 165Ethiopia has no standing on Energy: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 3 key statistics a standing needs.
  16. Digital & Technology190th · joint 87th of 198

Not voting in this edition, so no standings for anybody: Money & Public Finance, People & Population. Their statistics are still compared below.

03The evidence

Every statistic, subject by subject

213 statistics measure both countries; 14 more measure only Eritrea and 127 only Ethiopia. Each subject opens with its key statistics on a strip of every country measured, then lists the rest.

All statistics

Governance & Institutions

Eritrea:joint 191stEthiopia:144thof 194

Eritrea on Governance & Institutions →Ethiopia on Governance & Institutions →

Key statistics · the 4 the Governance & Institutions standing is built from

  1. Corruption Perceptions Index

    Transparency International · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 9 to 89; the middle country is at 39.

    9dashed: the middle country, 3989

    Eritrea: 13177th of 181 · rank

    Ethiopia: 3896th of 181 · rank

  2. Government Effectiveness

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 209 countries measured, values run from -2.251 to 2.092; the middle country is at 0.101.

    -2.251dashed: the middle country, 0.1012.092

    Eritrea: -1.526

    Ethiopia: -0.616

  3. Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.003 to 0.988; the middle country is at 0.676.

    0.003dashed: the middle country, 0.6760.988

    Eritrea: 0.028

    Ethiopia: 0.213

  4. Statistical Performance Indicators

    World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 188 countries measured, values run from 27.12 to 94.14; the middle country is at 69.3.

    27.12dashed: the middle country, 69.394.14

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 61.75

Governance & Institutions: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 22EritreaEthiopia
Bribery IncidenceWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better02009too old to compare175th of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst17.68202545th of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · No better end0.4120.304
Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better10.2202114.72024
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better0.176189th of 192 · rank0.262169th of 192 · rank
Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better-1.61207th of 211 · position · derived-0.374124th of 211 · position · derived
Country Policy and Institutional AssessmentWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better1.69275th of 78 · position · derived3.2537th of 78 · position · derived
Disability Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better3.620210.32024
Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.449129th of 176 · position · derived0.503122nd of 176 · position · derived
Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public OfficialsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better02009too old to compare178th of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst11.13202564th of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · Higher is better01
Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.009176th of 176 · position · derived0.1143rd of 176 · position · derived
Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.169174th of 176 · position · derived-0.728144th of 176 · position · derived
Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better0.95510th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.75946th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better0.75247th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.52988th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Public Sector Wage BillWorld Bank Group · 2022 · No better end16.548th of 168 · position · derived6.6103rd of 168 · position · derived
Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better-2.106209th of 209 · position · derived-0.73159th of 209 · position · derived
Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-1.721161st of 176 · position · derived-1.015145th of 176 · position · derived
Senior Management Time Spent on Government RegulationWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end0.472009too old to compare1.8742025
State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better97.268.33
State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · Higher is better-1.234161st of 166 · position · derived0.102114th of 166 · position · derived
State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-0.381153rd of 176 · position · derived0.943105th of 176 · position · derived
Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better-2.348206th of 206 · position · derived-1.276173rd of 206 · position · derived

Measured for Ethiopia only: Completeness of Birth Registration · Debt Service on External Debt · Foundational ID Ownership · General Government Consumption · Old-Age Pension Coverage · Open Data Inventory · Public Sector Employment · Trade Union Density

Economy & Innovation

Eritrea:no standingEthiopia:148thof 176

Ethiopia on Economy & Innovation →

Key statistics · the 4 the Economy & Innovation standing is built from

  1. Account Ownership at a Financial Institution

    World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 14.83 to 99.85; the middle country is at 72.83.

    14.83dashed: the middle country, 72.8399.85

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 48.83

  2. Economic Complexity Index

    Growth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 145 countries measured, values run from -3.53 to 1.729; the middle country is at 0.131.

    -3.53dashed: the middle country, 0.1311.729

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: -1.091122nd of 145 · rank

  3. Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 2.113 to 88.52; the middle country is at 35.95.

    2.113dashed: the middle country, 35.9588.52

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 23.452025

  4. GDP per Capita (PPP)

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 185 countries measured, values run from 1,067 to 139,593; the middle country is at 17,265.

    1,067dashed: the middle country, 17,265139,593

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 3,095

Economy & Innovation: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 13EritreaEthiopia
Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end93.1284.48
Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better100.58125th of 195 · position · derived116.5159th of 195 · position · derived
Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end0.3170.434
Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better28.162009too old to compare130th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst24.532025142nd of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Firms with an International Quality CertificationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better15.122009too old to compare2.6842025
Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better106.0898th of 195 · position · derived116.3156th of 195 · position · derived
Foreign Direct Investment InflowsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end3.9573.592
Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better109.3489th of 194 · position · derived116.0666th of 194 · position · derived
Merchant Fleet by Country of OwnershipUNCTAD · 2026 · No better end12.81314.69
Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · Higher is better24.4187th of 195 · position · derived27.96174th of 195 · position · derived
Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · No better end3914,016
Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end102.8133.87
Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · Higher is better3.66.5

Measured for Ethiopia only: Actual Individual Consumption per Capita (PPP) · Adjusted Net Savings · Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · Complexity Outlook Index · Comprehensive Wealth per Capita · Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · Frontier Technology Readiness Index · GDP Growth · Global Innovation Index · GNI per Capita (PPP) · Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · Gross Savings (% of GDP) · Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison) · Household Consumption · Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · Inflation, GDP Deflator · Informal Output (DGE Model Estimate) · Management Practices Index · Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · New Business Density · Price Level of Household Consumption · Researchers per Million Inhabitants · Services Exports · Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP) · Trade (% of GDP)

Work & Labour

Eritrea:joint 117thEthiopia:116thof 182

Eritrea on Work & Labour →Ethiopia on Work & Labour →

Key statistics · the 4 the Work & Labour standing is built from

  1. Employment-to-Population Ratio

    ILO · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 21.21 to 86.9; the middle country is at 57.72.

    21.21dashed: the middle country, 57.7286.9

    Eritrea: 73.66

    Ethiopia: 66.19

  2. Labour Income Share

    ILO · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 9.691 to 75.13; the middle country is at 46.23.

    9.691dashed: the middle country, 46.2375.13

    Eritrea: 35.89

    Ethiopia: 38.52

  3. Unemployment Rate

    ILO · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.13 to 34.2; the middle country is at 5.084.

    0.13dashed: the middle country, 5.08434.2

    Eritrea: 5.978

    Ethiopia: 3.323

  4. Vulnerable Employment

    ILO · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.456 to 90.22; the middle country is at 28.67.

    0.456dashed: the middle country, 28.6790.22

    Eritrea: 47.89

    Ethiopia: 84.15

Work & Labour: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 13EritreaEthiopia
Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · No better end39.8185th of 182 · position · derived31.1162nd of 182 · position · derived
Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · Lower is better2.742.54
Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · No better end55.4815th of 182 · position · derived60.1413th of 182 · position · derived
Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · No better end12.74150th of 182 · position · derived6.448179th of 182 · position · derived
Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · No better end31.78167th of 182 · position · derived33.41165th of 182 · position · derived
Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better72.8412th of 182 · position · derived58.4657th of 182 · position · derived
Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better26.062009too old to compare8.8392025
Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better78.3513th of 182 · position · derived68.4632nd of 182 · position · derived
Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · Higher is better2.51174th of 182 · position · derived4.73160th of 182 · position · derived
Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better60120
Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better03
Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · No better end52.3754th of 182 · position · derived84.3111th of 182 · position · derived
Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · Lower is better10.24108th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst5.353154th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst

Measured for Ethiopia only: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per Worker · Employment Injury Protection Coverage · GDP per Person Employed · Human Capital Wealth per Capita · Unemployment Benefit Coverage · Working Poverty Rate

Education & Knowledge

Eritrea:194thEthiopia:178thof 198

Eritrea on Education & Knowledge →Ethiopia on Education & Knowledge →

Key statistics · the 4 the Education & Knowledge standing is built from

  1. Government Spending on Education

    UIS · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 123 countries measured, values run from 0 to 16.39; the middle country is at 3.709.

    0dashed: the middle country, 3.70916.39

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 2.927

  2. Out-of-School Rate, Primary

    UIS · latest reading per country · Lower is better

    Across the 192 countries measured, values run from 0.004 to 65.6; the middle country is at 3.691.

    0.004dashed: the middle country, 3.69165.6

    Eritrea: 40.382022

    Ethiopia: 22.462024

  3. Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary

    UIS · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 187 countries measured, values run from 3.411 to 100; the middle country is at 85.9.

    3.411dashed: the middle country, 85.9100

    Eritrea: 37.792022

    Ethiopia: 62.592024

  4. Upper Secondary Completion Rate

    UIS · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 164 countries measured, values run from 2.13 to 99.27; the middle country is at 64.87.

    2.13dashed: the middle country, 64.8799.27

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 15.45

Education & Knowledge: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 5EritreaEthiopia
Academic Freedom IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.034174th of 176 · position · derived0.337120th of 176 · position · derived
Adult Literacy RateUIS · years differ · Higher is better64.662008too old to compare148th of 172 · position · derived60.462022152nd of 172 · position · derived
Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better7.337192nd of 195 · position · derived9.218176th of 195 · position · derived
Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better5.091168th of 193 · position · derived2.403188th of 193 · position · derived
Youth Literacy RateUIS · years differ · Higher is better86.972008too old to compare84.692022

Measured for Ethiopia only: Female Share of Researchers · Harmonized Test Scores · Intergenerational Persistence in Education · Learning Poverty · Learning-Adjusted Years of School · Lower Secondary Completion Rate · Nobel Prize Laureates by Country of Birth · Out-of-School Rate, Lower Secondary Age · Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · Primary Completion Rate · Pupils per Qualified Teacher, Primary · Trust in Scientists · Wealth Parity Index, Lower Secondary Completion

Health & Wellbeing

Eritrea:151stEthiopia:174thof 200

Eritrea on Health & Wellbeing →Ethiopia on Health & Wellbeing →

Key statistics · the 4 the Health & Wellbeing standing is built from

  1. Life Expectancy at Birth

    UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 222 countries measured, values run from 54.46 to 86.37; the middle country is at 74.63.

    54.46dashed: the middle country, 74.6386.37

    Eritrea: 68.62

    Ethiopia: 67.31

  2. Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity

    FAO · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 133 countries measured, values run from 0 to 63.1; the middle country is at 4.7.

    0dashed: the middle country, 4.763.1

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 19

  3. Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five

    UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · latest reading per country · Lower is better

    Across the 162 countries measured, values run from 0.518 to 52.8; the middle country is at 13.8.

    0.518dashed: the middle country, 13.852.8

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 36.782019

  4. Under-Five Mortality Rate

    UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 200 countries measured, values run from 1.26 to 115.65; the middle country is at 14.54.

    1.26dashed: the middle country, 14.54115.65

    Eritrea: 34.3

    Ethiopia: 44.5

Health & Wellbeing: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 31EritreaEthiopia
Adolescent Birth Rate (Ages 15–19)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better65.1849th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst69.8642nd of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Adult Mortality (Probability of Dying Between 15 and 60)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better186.7264th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst197.8854th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Antenatal Care Coverage, At Least Four VisitsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better57.42010too old to compare126th of 153 · position · derived432019143rd of 153 · position · derived
Caesarean Section RateUNICEF · years differ · No better end2.82010too old to compare6.52019
Care-Seeking for Children with Symptoms of PneumoniaUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better44.82010too old to compare107th of 127 · position · derived29.82016121st of 127 · position · derived
Contraceptive Prevalence (Any Method)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end8.526.7
Days Above 35°CECMWF · 2025 · Lower is better149.8557.82
Demand for Family Planning Satisfied by Modern MethodsUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better32.8189th of 196 · position · derived62124th of 196 · position · derived
Early Initiation of BreastfeedingUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better93.12010too old to compare1st of 136 · position · derived71.98201916th of 136 · position · derived
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better68.72010too old to compare9th of 136 · position · derived58.81201925th of 136 · position · derived
Female Genital Mutilation PrevalenceUNICEF · years differ · Lower is better832010too old to compare65.22016
HPV Vaccination Coverage, GirlsWUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better4051
Immunisation Coverage, DTP3WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better9681
Immunisation Coverage, Measles First Dose (MCV1)WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better9377
Infant Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better24.756th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst34.4936th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
INFORM Severity IndexACAPS · 2025 · Lower is better342nd of 81 · position · derived · 1 = worst4.39th of 81 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Insecticide-Treated Net UseMAP · 2025 · Higher is better34.618.586
Institutional DeliveriesUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better33.72010too old to compare47.52019
Life Expectancy at Age 65UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better14.79149th of 222 · position · derived14.63155th of 222 · position · derived
Malaria Incidence (P. falciparum)MAP · 2025 · Lower is better31.43110.38
Malaria Incidence (P. vivax)MAP · 2025 · Lower is better6.38742.33
Malaria Mortality (P. falciparum)MAP · 2024 · Lower is better6.59112.42
Modern Contraceptive PrevalenceUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end826.1
Mortality Rate, Ages 5–14UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better5.92749th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst7.49743rd of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Neonatal Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better15.6257th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst25.2321st of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Oral Rehydration Salts for Children with DiarrhoeaUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better43.42010too old to compare59th of 127 · position · derived29.52016103rd of 127 · position · derived
Overweight Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · Lower is better2.75139th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst3.339134th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Pesticide Use per HectareFAO · 2024 · No better end0.04171st of 178 · position · derived0.22156th of 178 · position · derived
PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · Lower is better21.768th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst22.565th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Stillbirth RateUN IGME · 2023 · Lower is better15.1945th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst29.714th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Wasting Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · years differ · Lower is better14.552010too old to compare6th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst6.795201941st of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst

Measured for Eritrea only: Low Birthweight Prevalence

Measured for Ethiopia only: Adults Who Have Been Too Anxious or Depressed to Carry On · Agreement That Vaccines Are Safe · Catastrophic Out-of-Pocket Health Spending · Coefficient of Variation of Habitual Caloric Consumption · Cost of a Healthy Diet · Fish and Seafood Supply per Person · Fruit Supply per Person · Gender Inequality Index · Global Multidimensional Poverty Index · Global Report on Food Crises · Human Capital Index · Meat Supply per Person · Minimum Dietary Diversity, Children Aged 6–23 Months · Postnatal Care for Newborns Within Two Days · Prevalence of Moderate or Severe Food Insecurity · Prevalence of Undernourishment · Severe Child Food Poverty, Children Aged 6–23 Months · Share of Dietary Energy Supply from Cereals, Roots and Tubers · Vegetable Supply per Person

Development & Human Capital

Eritrea:181stEthiopia:174thof 196

Eritrea on Development & Human Capital →Ethiopia on Development & Human Capital →

Key statistics · the 3 the Development & Human Capital standing is built from

  1. Human Development Index

    UNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.388 to 0.972; the middle country is at 0.762.

    0.388dashed: the middle country, 0.7620.972

    Eritrea: 0.503178th of 193 · rank

    Ethiopia: 0.497180th of 193 · rank

  2. Maternal Mortality Ratio

    MMEIG · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 0.11 to 992.83; the middle country is at 46.65.

    0.11dashed: the middle country, 46.65992.83

    Eritrea: 291.36

    Ethiopia: 194.94

  3. Social Protection Coverage

    ILO · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 209 countries measured, values run from 0 to 100; the middle country is at 52.1.

    0dashed: the middle country, 52.1100

    Eritrea: 8.42021

    Ethiopia: 11.52024

Development & Human Capital: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 4EritreaEthiopia
Access to ElectricityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better55.356.6
Access to Electricity, RuralWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better43.244.8
Child MarriageUNICEF · years differ · Lower is better40.72010too old to compare11th of 143 · position · derived · 1 = worst40.3201612th of 143 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better0.496138th of 156 · position · derived0.487141st of 156 · position · derived

Measured for Ethiopia only: Adequacy of Social Protection and Labour Benefits · Coefficient of Human Inequality · Gender Development Index · Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index · Multidimensional Poverty Measure · Net Official Development Assistance Received · Poverty Headcount at $3.00 a Day, Line-up Estimates

Environment & Sustainability

Eritrea:joint 15thEthiopia:52ndof 186

Eritrea on Environment & Sustainability →Ethiopia on Environment & Sustainability →

Key statistics · the 4 the Environment & Sustainability standing is built from

  1. CO₂ Emissions per Capita

    Global Carbon Project · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 210 countries measured, values run from 0.054 to 41.27; the middle country is at 3.21.

    0.054dashed: the middle country, 3.2141.27

    Eritrea: 0.21

    Ethiopia: 0.135

  2. Ecological Footprint

    Global Footprint Network · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 126 countries measured, values run from 0.514 to 11.73; the middle country is at 2.296.

    0.514dashed: the middle country, 2.29611.73

    Eritrea: 0.714

    Ethiopia: 0.877

  3. Organic Agricultural Area

    FAO · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 0 to 86.38; the middle country is at 0.725.

    0dashed: the middle country, 0.72586.38

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 0.59

  4. Water Stress

    FAO · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 177 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 3,851; the middle country is at 10.

    0.03dashed: the middle country, 103,851

    Eritrea: 11.18

    Ethiopia: 32.26

Environment & Sustainability: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 23EritreaEthiopia
Agricultural EmissionsFAO · 2023 · No better end4,905122nd of 193 · position · derived142,26010th of 193 · position · derived
Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · Lower is better12.085th of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst6.611th of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · No better end62.6533rd of 209 · position · derived34.08115th of 209 · position · derived
Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · Higher is better-0.41-0.01
Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end0.19961st of 206 · position · derived0.12792nd of 206 · position · derived
Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better3.9430.961
Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · No better end59,0744,355,081
Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · Lower is better7.131st of 163 · rank · 1 = worst7.615th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst
Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · No better end10.1924.95
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · Lower is better1.5870.915
Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · No better end1.874183rd of 188 · position · derived45.32125th of 188 · position · derived
Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · No better end2,485255,458
Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · No better end8.63170th of 210 · position · derived14.93142nd of 210 · position · derived
Forest Area within Legally Established Protected AreasFAO · 2025 · Higher is better5.4817.68
Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · No better end478,30199th of 179 · position · derived11,859,45915th of 179 · position · derived
Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · No better end0.24151st of 188 · position · derived1.3336th of 188 · position · derived
Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · No better end150.414,464
ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better27.36187th of 190 · rank37.72155th of 190 · rank
Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · No better end15.490
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per CapitaFAO · 2022 · Higher is better821.25136th of 181 · position · derived973.01131st of 181 · position · derived
Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · No better end0.0250.022
Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · No better end0.07424,980
Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · No better end94.59th of 171 · position · derived91.8420th of 171 · position · derived

Measured for Eritrea only: Coal Share of Electricity Generation · Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation · Mangrove Area · Solar Share of Electricity Generation · Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generation

Measured for Ethiopia only: Agricultural Irrigated Land · Consumption-Based CO₂ Emissions · Municipal Solid Waste Generation · Operating Coal Power Capacity · Operating Wind Power Capacity · Temperature Change on Land · Tropical Moist Forest Deforestation

Gender & Equality

Eritrea:165thEthiopia:127thof 183

Eritrea on Gender & Equality →Ethiopia on Gender & Equality →

Key statistics · the 4 the Gender & Equality standing is built from

  1. Firms with a Female Top Manager

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 1.429 to 62.9; the middle country is at 19.16.

    1.429dashed: the middle country, 19.1662.9

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 16.442025

  2. Social Institutions and Gender Index

    OECD · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 140 countries measured, values run from 6.7 to 67.4; the middle country is at 25.2.

    6.7dashed: the middle country, 25.267.4

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 30.8

  3. Women, Business and the Law

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 3.125 to 100; the middle country is at 81.25.

    3.125dashed: the middle country, 81.25100

    Eritrea: 69.38

    Ethiopia: 80

  4. Women's Political Empowerment Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.028 to 0.954; the middle country is at 0.772.

    0.028dashed: the middle country, 0.7720.954

    Eritrea: 0.151

    Ethiopia: 0.691

Gender & Equality: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 4EritreaEthiopia
Firms with Female Participation in OwnershipWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better4.242009too old to compare177th of 181 · position · derived32.342025103rd of 181 · position · derived
Mean Age at First Marriage, WomenUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end21.22002too old to compare21.32016
Sex Ratio at BirthUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end103.2105.5
Women Who Think a Husband Is Justified in Hitting or Beating His WifeUNICEF · years differ · Lower is better51.42010too old to compare19th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst63201612th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst

Measured for Ethiopia only: Account Ownership Among Women · Female-Headed Households · Gender Social Norms Index · Legal Guarantees of Women's Equal Rights to Land · Women's Share of Agricultural Landowners

Democracy & Civil Liberties

Eritrea:198thEthiopia:151stof 198

Eritrea on Democracy & Civil Liberties →Ethiopia on Democracy & Civil Liberties →

Key statistics · the 4 the Democracy & Civil Liberties standing is built from

  1. Civic Space Ratings

    CIVICUS · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 198 countries measured, values run from 2.17 to 100; the middle country is at 50.46.

    2.17dashed: the middle country, 50.46100

    Eritrea: 4

    Ethiopia: 20.49

  2. Perceptions of Electoral Integrity Index

    EIP · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 171 countries measured, values run from 12.86 to 88.61; the middle country is at 54.78.

    12.86dashed: the middle country, 54.7888.61

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 44.62021

  3. Rule of Law

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.199 to 2.012; the middle country is at -0.102.

    -2.199dashed: the middle country, -0.1022.012

    Eritrea: -1.769

    Ethiopia: -0.938

  4. V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.016 to 0.913; the middle country is at 0.497.

    0.016dashed: the middle country, 0.4970.913

    Eritrea: 0.069

    Ethiopia: 0.257

Democracy & Civil Liberties: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 15EritreaEthiopia
Deliberative Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.025171st of 176 · position · derived0.195119th of 176 · position · derived
Egalitarian Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.108155th of 176 · position · derived0.161133rd of 176 · position · derived
Exclusion by Socio-Economic GroupV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2023 · Lower is better0.64836th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.60844th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.024173rd of 176 · position · derived0.285143rd of 176 · position · derived
Freedom of Foreign MovementV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.825174th of 176 · position · derived-1.027163rd of 176 · position · derived
Freedom of Peaceful AssemblyV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.898170th of 172 · position · derived-0.676122nd of 172 · position · derived
Freedom of ReligionV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-1.987170th of 176 · position · derived-0.466146th of 176 · position · derived
Government Censorship of the MediaV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.983175th of 176 · position · derived-0.394122nd of 176 · position · derived
Government Dissemination of False Information (Domestic)V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.127158th of 176 · position · derived-2.023152nd of 176 · position · derived
Government Internet ShutdownsV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-1.499161st of 176 · position · derived-1.654163rd of 176 · position · derived
Government Social Media CensorshipV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.637170th of 176 · position · derived-2.891171st of 176 · position · derived
Mass MobilizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · No better end-3.3181.348
Military Dimension IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better0.1670.286
Participatory Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.008176th of 176 · position · derived0.128134th of 176 · position · derived
Political PolarizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better1.21752nd of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.98461st of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst

Peace & Security

Eritrea:joint 126thEthiopia:155thof 177

Eritrea on Peace & Security →Ethiopia on Peace & Security →

Key statistics · the 4 the Peace & Security standing is built from

  1. Global Militarisation Index

    BICC · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 149 countries measured, values run from 3.512 to 351.09; the middle country is at 100.66.

    3.512dashed: the middle country, 100.66351.09

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 84.1899th of 149 · rank

  2. Physical Violence Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.053 to 0.989; the middle country is at 0.79.

    0.053dashed: the middle country, 0.790.989

    Eritrea: 0.101

    Ethiopia: 0.266

  3. Political Stability and Absence of Violence

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.506 to 1.563; the middle country is at 0.171.

    -2.506dashed: the middle country, 0.1711.563

    Eritrea: -0.6

    Ethiopia: -1.854

  4. Political Violence by Non-State Actors

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 171 countries measured, values run from -3.182 to 3.375; the middle country is at -0.661.

    -3.182dashed: the middle country, -0.6613.375

    Eritrea: -1.679

    Ethiopia: 2.268

Peace & Security: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 7EritreaEthiopia
Armed Forces Personnel (% of population)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · Lower is better4.60.12
Arms Imports (% of total imports)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · No better end00.2
Civilian Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better0948
Deaths in Non-State ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better0303
Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better059th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst5,4586th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Deaths in State-Based Armed ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better04,331
Refugees by Country of OriginUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end554,891164,215

Measured for Ethiopia only: Internally Displaced People of Concern to UNHCR

Risk & Resilience

Eritrea:162ndEthiopia:172ndof 193

Eritrea on Risk & Resilience →Ethiopia on Risk & Resilience →

Key statistics · the 4 the Risk & Resilience standing is built from

  1. Able to Raise Emergency Funds Within 30 Days

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 142 countries measured, values run from 16.49 to 93.69; the middle country is at 53.85.

    16.49dashed: the middle country, 53.8593.69

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 35.262024

  2. Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)

    Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 0.263 to 0.655; the middle country is at 0.45.

    0.263dashed: the middle country, 0.450.655

    Eritrea: 0.629185th of 190 · rank

    Ethiopia: 0.508143rd of 190 · rank

  3. INFORM Risk Index

    European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 191 countries measured, values run from 0.7 to 8.5; the middle country is at 3.7.

    0.7dashed: the middle country, 3.78.5

    Eritrea: 4.8

    Ethiopia: 7

  4. World Risk Index

    Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.18 to 46.56; the middle country is at 4.17.

    0.18dashed: the middle country, 4.1746.56

    Eritrea: 6.03

    Ethiopia: 4.87

Risk & Resilience: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 4EritreaEthiopia
Asylum-Seekers by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end0112,987
Drought Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better2.32192nd of 138 · rank · 1 = worst2.5376th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst
Refugee Population by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end1191,010,466
Riverine Flood Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better3.89335th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst3.02763rd of 163 · rank · 1 = worst

Measured for Ethiopia only: Adults Who Experienced a Natural Disaster or Severe Weather · Firms Whose Assets Were Damaged by Extreme Weather · Per Capita Food Supply Variability · World Risk Poll Resilience Index

Mobility & Trade

Eritrea:177thEthiopia:no standingof 177

Eritrea on Mobility & Trade →

Key statistics · the 4 the Mobility & Trade standing is built from

  1. Container Import Dwell Time

    World Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 1 to 21.6; the middle country is at 4.4.

    1dashed: the middle country, 4.421.6

    Eritrea: 14.8

    Ethiopia: no reading in this edition

  2. ICT Goods Exports

    UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 120 countries measured, values run from 0 to 61.45; the middle country is at 0.975.

    0dashed: the middle country, 0.97561.45

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: no reading in this edition

  3. Liner Shipping Connectivity Index

    UNCTAD · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 168 countries measured, values run from 4.13 to 1,313; the middle country is at 60.84.

    4.13dashed: the middle country, 60.841,313

    Eritrea: 5.548171st of 177 · rank

    Ethiopia: no reading in this edition

  4. Logistics Performance Index

    World Bank Group · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 1.9 to 4.3; the middle country is at 2.9.

    1.9dashed: the middle country, 2.94.3

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: no reading in this edition

Mobility & Trade: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 7EritreaEthiopia
Average Time to Clear Exports Through CustomsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better7.9222009too old to compare46th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst4.22202593rd of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Cost of Sending RemittancesWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better9.166th of 93 · position · derived · 1 = worst3.41544th of 93 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Digital Services Trade Restrictiveness IndexOECD · 2025 · Lower is better0.33227th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.42814th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst
EmigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end912,7921,240,645
International MigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end12,5121,168,455
International Migrants as a Share of PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end0.3540.885
Net Migration RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end-4.404-0.093

Measured for Ethiopia only: Cereal Import Dependency Ratio

Food & Agriculture

Eritrea:179thEthiopia:145thof 184

Eritrea on Food & Agriculture →Ethiopia on Food & Agriculture →

Key statistics · the 4 the Food & Agriculture standing is built from

  1. Agriculture Orientation Index

    FAO · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 132 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 5.38; the middle country is at 0.305.

    0.03dashed: the middle country, 0.3055.38

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 0.09

  2. Cereal Yield

    FAO · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 23 to 29,147; the middle country is at 3,072.

    23dashed: the middle country, 3,07229,147

    Eritrea: 638.2

    Ethiopia: 2,656

  3. Dietary Energy Supply

    FAO · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 155 countries measured, values run from 1,757 to 3,962; the middle country is at 2,982.

    1,757dashed: the middle country, 2,9823,962

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 2,539

  4. Across the 186 countries measured, values run from 1.67 to 4.57; the middle country is at 3.14.

    1.67dashed: the middle country, 3.144.57

    Eritrea: 2.33

    Ethiopia: 2.86

Poverty & Inequality

Eritrea:no standingEthiopia:107thof 159

Ethiopia on Poverty & Inequality →

Key statistics · the 3 the Poverty & Inequality standing is built from

  1. Gini Index

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better

    Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 23 to 59.07; the middle country is at 33.72.

    23dashed: the middle country, 33.7259.07

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 31.142021

  2. Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better

    Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 0 to 48.69; the middle country is at 0.345.

    0dashed: the middle country, 0.34548.69

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 10.752021

  3. Across the 145 countries measured, values run from 0.6 to 93.9; the middle country is at 26.4.

    0.6dashed: the middle country, 26.493.9

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 67.9

Measured for Ethiopia only: Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Lines

Money & Public Finance

No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.

Money & Public Finance: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Measured · 2EritreaEthiopia
Firms Using Banks to Finance InvestmentWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end11.922009too old to compare20.682025
Short-Term Share of External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better6.6990.962

Measured for Ethiopia only: Made or Received a Digital Payment · Saved at a Financial Institution or with Mobile Money · Share of Firms' Payments Made Electronically

Energy

Eritrea:joint 127thEthiopia:no standingof 165

Eritrea on Energy →

Key statistics · the 3 the Energy standing is built from

  1. Carbon Intensity of Electricity

    Ember · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 165 countries measured, values run from 23.73 to 1,306; the middle country is at 433.75.

    23.73dashed: the middle country, 433.751,306

    Eritrea: 591.11

    Ethiopia: no reading in this edition

  2. Renewable Share of Electricity Generation

    Ember · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 165 countries measured, values run from 0 to 100; the middle country is at 32.06.

    0dashed: the middle country, 32.06100

    Eritrea: 11.11

    Ethiopia: no reading in this edition

  3. World Energy Trilemma Index

    World Energy Council · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 126 countries measured, values run from 27.7 to 83.2; the middle country is at 63.8.

    27.7dashed: the middle country, 63.883.2

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: no reading in this edition

Energy: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 11EritreaEthiopia
Crude Oil ProductionEIA · 2025 · No better end00
Firms Identifying Electricity as a Major ConstraintWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better0.192009too old to compare178th of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst27.17202583rd of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Firms Owning or Sharing a GeneratorWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better36.832009too old to compare52.952025
Natural Gas ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end00
Photovoltaic Power Potential (PVOUT)World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · 2020 · No better end4.8954.695
Primary Energy Consumption per CapitaEIA · 2024 · No better end3.0282.34
Primary Energy ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end00.084
RISE Clean Cooking Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better1562.08
RISE Electricity Access Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better27.7553rd of 56 · position · derived72.1919th of 56 · position · derived
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better3.92629.17
RISE Renewable Energy Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better7.42633.15

Measured for Eritrea only: Gas Share of Electricity Generation · Hydro Share of Electricity Generation · Net Electricity Imports (share of generation) · Nuclear Share of Electricity Generation

Digital & Technology

Eritrea:190thEthiopia:joint 87thof 198

Eritrea on Digital & Technology →Ethiopia on Digital & Technology →

Key statistics · the 4 the Digital & Technology standing is built from

  1. Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports

    UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 170 countries measured, values run from 0.377 to 87.15; the middle country is at 25.42.

    0.377dashed: the middle country, 25.4287.15

    Eritrea: no reading in this edition

    Ethiopia: 6.043

  2. Government AI Readiness Index

    Oxford Insights · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 12.12 to 88.36; the middle country is at 40.19.

    12.12dashed: the middle country, 40.1988.36

    Eritrea: 12.7193rd of 195 · rank

    Ethiopia: 41.5891st of 195 · rank

  3. Government Cyber Security Capacity

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from -2.66 to 3.715; the middle country is at 0.196.

    -2.66dashed: the middle country, 0.1963.715

    Eritrea: -0.731

    Ethiopia: 2.223

  4. GovTech Maturity Index

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 196 countries measured, values run from 0.01 to 0.997; the middle country is at 0.63.

    0.01dashed: the middle country, 0.630.997

    Eritrea: 0.027

    Ethiopia: 0.643

Digital & Technology: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Also measured · 4EritreaEthiopia
AI User Share of the Working-Age PopulationMicrosoft AI Economy Institute · 2026 · Higher is better88
Firms with Their Own WebsiteWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better5.6852009too old to compare180th of 181 · position · derived23.632025167th of 181 · position · derived
GitHub DevelopersGitHub · 2026 · No better end1,628251,351
GitHub RepositoriesGitHub · 2026 · No better end1,466611,510

Measured for Ethiopia only: Firms Experiencing Internet Disruptions · GitHub Git Pushes · Internet Use Among Adults · Mobile Phone Ownership · Smartphone Ownership

People & Population

No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.

People & Population: statistics measuring both Eritrea and Ethiopia
Measured · 14EritreaEthiopia
Crude Birth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end28.5431.9
Crude Death RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end6.0475.96
Historical Index of Ethnic FractionalizationLenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · 2013 · No better end0.6590.783
Mean Age at ChildbearingUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end29.1729.08
Median Age of the PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end18.6518.73
Population Aged 65 and OverUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end4.1513.171
Population DensityUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end28.65128.69
Population Growth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end1.8092.585
Population Living in Cities (Degree of Urbanisation)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end39.9925.93
Population Under Age 15UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end38.6839.37
Sex Ratio of the Total PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end97.42100.44
Total Dependency RatioUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end74.9174.03
Total Fertility RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end3.7133.989
Urban Population Share (National Definitions)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end34.5424.11

Measured for Ethiopia only: Average Household Size · One-Person Households

04Over time

How the two have moved

Eritrea solid, Ethiopia dashed. Values from 2000; ranks are the publisher’s own, each year counted in that year’s field.

Life expectancy at birth

years at birth · UN DESA Population Division

0204060200020122023Eritrea: 68.62 in 2023Ethiopia: 67.31 in 2023
Eritrea, 2023
68.62
Ethiopia, 2023
67.31

Eritrea’s life expectancy was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.

Population

people · UN DESA Population Division

050,000,000100,000,000200020122023Eritrea: 3,470,390 in 2023Ethiopia: 128,691,692 in 2023
Eritrea, 2023
3,470,390
Ethiopia, 2023
128,691,692

Ethiopia’s population was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.

Human Development Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office

50th100th150th200020122023Eritrea: 178th of 193 in 2023Ethiopia: 180th of 193 in 2023
Eritrea, 2023
178th of 193
Ethiopia, 2023
180th of 193

Corruption Perceptions Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Transparency International

50th100th150th201220192025Eritrea: 177th of 181 in 2025Ethiopia: 96th of 181 in 2025
Eritrea, 2025
177th of 181
Ethiopia, 2025
96th of 181

Government AI Readiness Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Oxford Insights

50th100th150th202020232025Eritrea: 193rd of 195 in 2025Ethiopia: 91st of 195 in 2025
Eritrea, 2025
193rd of 195
Ethiopia, 2025
91st of 195

05Recorded facts

The two countries

Fact Eritrea Ethiopia
CapitalAsmaraAddis Ababa
LanguagesArabic, English, TigrinyaAmharic
Currencynakfa (ERN)bir (ETB)
Calling code+291+251
Internet domain.er.et
ISO codesER · ERIET · ETH
WhereEastern Africa · AfricaEastern Africa · Africa

Share a land borderBoth in Eastern AfricaBoth in Africa

Eritrea in black and Ethiopia in blue-grey on a map
Eritrea EthiopiaOutlines from Natural Earth, which draws borders as they are held on the ground. No line on this map is a statement about where a border should be.

06Keep comparing

Compare more

Eritrea compared with

No other comparison of Eritrea has a page yet.

Ethiopia compared with

Every comparison, and a picker for any two countries →

07Questions

Eritrea and Ethiopia: common questions

Which is bigger, Eritrea or Ethiopia?

People: Eritrea 3,470,390 and Ethiopia 128,691,692 in 2023, according to UN DESA Population Division. Ethiopia has 37 times as many. Land area, in square kilometres: Eritrea 120,800 and Ethiopia 1,122,135 in 2024, according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Ethiopia’s is 9.3 times as large.

Where are Eritrea and Ethiopia placed in the Country Index 2026?

Eritrea is placed 177th of 183, and Ethiopia is placed 153rd of 183. The Country Index 2026 is this site’s own ordering of published statistics, subject by subject; it is not a rank any publisher printed.

Do Eritrea and Ethiopia share a border?

Yes: the two share a land border, as the Natural Earth outlines draw it — borders as they are held on the ground. Both are in Eastern Africa.

How many statistics compare Eritrea and Ethiopia?

213 statistics from 43 publishers measure both. 14 more measure only Eritrea, and 127 only Ethiopia; those are listed under each subject rather than left out.

Why do some rows give two different years?

For 32 of the 213 shared statistics the publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, so the two readings describe different years. Both years are printed, and those rows are left out of every comparison in the summary.

08Method

Sources and how to read them

Every value is the newest reading the publisher issued, exactly as each country’s profile prints it: Eritrea and Ethiopia. A rank is a number the publisher printed; a position · derived is this site’s ordering of one published statistic; a standing is a place in the Country Index 2026.

Where a publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, the two readings can describe different years. Both years are then printed, and the row is left out of every comparison in the summary. How every number on the site is read is set out on the methodology page.

The banner photographs are credited beside each picture.

The 43 publishers behind the shared statistics

ACAPS · Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · CIVICUS · European Commission Joint Research Centre — Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) · European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · European Commission, Joint Research Centre (EDGAR) · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · GitHub · Global Carbon Project · Global Footprint Network · Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · International Labour Organization (ILO) · Jonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · Lenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · Malaria Atlas Project (MAP) · Microsoft AI Economy Institute · Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · OECD · OpenAlex (OurResearch) · Oxford Insights · Transparency International · U.S. Department of State · U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · UN DESA Population Division · UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · UNDP Human Development Report Office · UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · UNICEF · UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · WHO and UNICEF (WUENIC) · World Bank Group · World Bank Group (Climate Change Knowledge Portal), from Copernicus ERA5 (ECMWF) · World Bank Group (ESMAP) · World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · World Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · World Resources Institute (WRI)

Cite this page

Nations Inquiry. Eritrea and Ethiopia, compared. Country Index 2026 edition. https://nationsinquiry.com/compare/eritrea-vs-ethiopia

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