Namibia’s population crosses 3 million, projected to hit 6 million by 2050
Preliminary 2023 census data released by the Namibian Statistics Agency indicates that the country’s population has grown by over 114% since independence in 1990.
The country’s population now stands at 3,022,401, with a gender breakdown of 1,548,177 females and 1,474,224 males, marking a significant increase from the 2.1 million registered in 2011, the Namibian Sun reports.
Statistician-General Alex Shimuafeni, highlighting the annual growth rate of 3%, said, “We have hit the three-million mark. In 1991, we were 1.4 million, and then we were 1.8 million in 2001. In 2011, we were 2.1 million, and now we are three million.”
Shimuafeni projected that if current trends persist, Namibia's population could surpass 6 million by 2050.
In terms of regional distribution of population, Khomas emerges as the most populous region, boasting a population of 494,729, followed by Ohangwena with 337,729 individuals. In contrast, the Omaheke region ranks as the least populous, with Omusati coming in as the third most populous region with 326,671 inhabitants.
Shimuafeni also highlighted that the national population density stands at 3.7 persons per square kilometer, underscoring the vastness of Namibia's landscape relative to its population.
The 2023 census, conducted from September 18 to November 3, experienced delays, initially slated for 2021 but postponed twice.
The final results of the census are expected to be released in October.
