UN revises Togo population data: implications for economic indicators

Economic governance

Monday, 16 February 2026 10:10

UN revises Togo population data: implications for economic indicators

(Togo First) - Togo's population is lower than previously estimated. That's the main finding of an update published on January 19, 2026, by the United Nations Population Division. Based on detailed results from the 2022 general census, the revision corrects a significant statistical discrepancy and prompts a reassessment of several of the country's economic indicators.

Access the updated demographic data for Togo here: https://population.un.org/wpp/downloads?folder=Standard%20Projections&group=Interim%20Update

A correction of nearly 12%

In its previous global publication, World Population Prospects 2024, the UN estimated Togo's population at around 9.1 million in 2022. But consolidated results from the fifth General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-5) showed a population of just over 8 million at the same date.

The UN's new official estimate puts the population at around 8.07 million as of July 1, 2022, and at 8.22 million in 2023.

Why such a difference? According to the United Nations, the gap stems from a problem interpreting census data. When World Population Prospects 2024 was published in July 2024, not all details from Togo's 2022 census were yet available.

Without sufficient detail, the UN Population Division applied a standard correction, as it does in other countries, to account for potentially uncounted individuals.

But it later emerged that Togo's statistical authorities had already incorporated these adjustments into the published official figures. In other words, the correction was applied twice. This double correction explains the roughly 12% gap between the initially estimated 9.1 million for 2022 and the officially counted 8.2 million. The United Nations notes that this update concerns only Togo and does not modify data for other countries.

Access the updated demographic data for Togo here: https://population.un.org/wpp/downloads?folder=Standard%20Projections&group=Interim%20Update

What this changes in practical terms

At first glance, this update may seem purely statistical. But its consequences are very real.

Population figures don't just serve demographers. They are used by numerous international institutions: the World Bank, financial rating agencies, development banks, as well as investors, research laboratories and analytical firms. Population size serves as the basis for many calculations.

These actors often rely on UN data to establish their indicators, rankings and assessments. Income per capita, debt levels per person, and certain development indices depend directly on the number of inhabitants. If the population is overestimated, it can distort comparisons between countries and influence outside perception of the economy.

The adjustments also have a direct impact on gross domestic product per capita. Using the old demographic base, GDP per capita was estimated at $951.20 in 2022 and $1,119.40 in 2024. Taking the new data into account, this ratio now stands at $1,206.93 in 2023 and $1,281.04 in 2024, a rise of roughly 14% for 2024 compared with the previous estimate. A statistical correction that can alter the reading of the country's income level in international comparisons.

For national authorities too, this data is essential, as it allows better planning for needs in schools, health centers, jobs and infrastructure. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Togo's partner in census operations and support for national statistics, regularly points out that good public policy starts with reliable figures.

A demographic dynamic that remains strong

Beyond the revision, Togo's major demographic trends remain the same.

The country remains young, with a population mostly composed of people under 25. Fertility, in gradual decline for several decades, remains relatively high. Life expectancy continues to rise, a sign of improvements in health and survival conditions.

Updated median projections indicate the population should continue to grow steadily in coming decades. By 2030, it could exceed 9 million, and continue rising through 2060.

In other words: the long-term trajectory does not change. Only the starting baseline has been readjusted.

The next complete global revision of demographic prospects is expected in July 2027. Until then, data users are invited to refer to this interim update for any analysis concerning Togo.

Access the updated demographic data for Togo here: https://population.un.org/wpp/downloads?folder=Standard%20Projections&group=Interim%20Update

Fiacre E. Kakpo

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