Ethiopia is the second-most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa, with a population of 96.5 million and a growth rate of 2.5% in 2014. One of the world's oldest civilizations, Ethiopia is also one of the world's poorest countries. Its per capita income of $550 is substantially lower than the regional average (gross national income, Atlas Method). The government aspires to reach middle income status over the next decade. The economy has experienced strong and broad-based growth over the past decade, averaging 10.8% yearly.