Namibia has experienced steady population growth since gaining independence in 1990. According to the most recent estimates, Namibia’s population is around 2.6 million people in 2024, up from approximately 1.5 million in 1990. The country’s annual population growth rate has averaged about 2% over the past several decades, driven by a relatively high birth rate and improving life expectancy. Despite this growth, Namibia remains one of the least densely populated countries in the world, due to its vast arid landscapes and large desert regions. Urbanization is increasing, with more people moving to cities such as Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay in search of better economic opportunities. However, challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, and limited access to basic services continue to impact the quality of life for many Namibians.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 463,729 | 0.6 |
| 1955 | 521,903 | 0.6 |
| 1960 | 590,731 | 0.7 |
| 1965 | 670,981 | 0.8 |
| 1970 | 764,683 | 0.9 |
| 1975 | 915,325 | 1.1 |
| 1980 | 1,058,021 | 1.3 |
| 1985 | 1,199,651 | 1.5 |
| 1990 | 1,458,648 | 1.8 |
| 1995 | 1,661,348 | 2 |
| 2000 | 1,877,964 | 2.3 |
| 2005 | 2,043,266 | 2.5 |
| 2010 | 2,182,968 | 2.7 |
| 2015 | 2,388,262 | 2.9 |
| 2020 | 2,629,632 | 3.2 |
| 2022 | 2,727,409 | 3.3 |
| 2023 | 2,777,232 | 3.4 |
| 2024 | 2,827,573 | 3.4 |
| 2025 | 2,878,336 | 3.5 |
| 2030 | 3,137,073 | 3.8 |
| 2035 | 3,398,921 | 4.1 |
| 2040 | 3,658,088 | 4.4 |
| 2045 | 3,910,077 | 4.7 |
| 2050 | 4,151,610 | 5 |
| 2055 | 4,381,595 | 5.3 |
| 2060 | 4,599,148 | 5.6 |
| 2065 | 4,801,361 | 5.8 |
| 2070 | 4,985,145 | 6.1 |
| 2075 | 5,147,778 | 6.3 |
| 2080 | 5,287,342 | 6.4 |
| 2085 | 5,402,712 | 6.6 |
| 2090 | 5,493,317 | 6.7 |
| 2095 | 5,558,879 | 6.8 |
| 2100 | 5,599,453 | 6.8 |
Data from US Census International Database