Gao's 2026 population is now estimated at 187,978. In 1976, the population of Gao was 30,714. Gao has grown by 8,408 in the last year, which represents a 4.68% annual change. These population values and projections come from Mali cities and localities census rows via CityPopulation official attribution and World Population Review Internal Projections .
| City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Bamako | 5,163,564 | 5.13% |
| Sikasso | 505,922 | 4.84% |
| Koutiala | 330,929 | 5.13% |
| Kayes | 295,542 | 5.13% |
| Mopti | 226,250 | 3.76% |
| Kalabancoro | 225,011 | 5.13% |
| Segou | 192,628 | 2.18% |
| Gao | 187,978 | 4.68% |
| Kati | 175,212 | 4.38% |
| Tombouctou | 127,813 | 5.13% |
| Bougouni | 117,996 | 4.21% |
| San | 117,160 | 3.34% |
| Dialakorodji | 107,186 | 5.13% |
| Kita | 95,513 | 4% |
| Fana | 86,225 | 5.13% |
| Koulikoro | 73,958 | 3.44% |
| Nioro du Sahel | 63,898 | 3.84% |
| Kidal | 60,758 | 5.13% |
| Kadiolo | 57,904 | 5.13% |
| Douentza | 56,163 | 5.13% |
