Namibia Population 2026: One of Earth’s Least Densely Populated Countries
Namibia covers approximately 824,000 square kilometers, an area larger than France and Germany combined. Yet the country hosts only approximately 3 million residents in 2026, producing an average population density of approximately 3.6 residents per square kilometer, one of the lowest figures of any sovereign country in the world. Only Mongolia, Greenland, and a handful of others have lower densities.
The Namibia population in 2026 stands at approximately 3 million according to the live counters on worldpopulationclock.net, drawing on the United Nations World Population Prospects 2024 revision and the Namibia Statistics Agency. The country gained independence from South Africa in 1990 after a prolonged liberation struggle and has developed as one of the more politically stable southern African democracies.
This article examines the Namibia population through the lens of extreme low density, the distribution across 14 regions, the ethnic diversity that includes substantial San (Bushman) populations, and the trajectory through 2050 and beyond.
A Population Doubled Since Independence
Namibia’s population stood at approximately 1.4 million at independence in 1990. The country has doubled across three and a half decades, with sustained growth supported by moderate fertility and demographic momentum.
A condensed Namibian demographic timeline:
- 1990: 1.4 million residents at independence
- 2000: 1.85 million
- 2011: 2.1 million (census)
- 2020: 2.55 million
- 2026: 3 million
The 2023 Namibian census was conducted with results released through 2024 and 2025.
Namibia Population by Region: A Detailed Breakdown
Namibia is divided into 14 regions. The regional distribution reflects vast disparities, with substantial populations in the north and minimal populations across the central and southern desert regions.
| Region | 2026 Population (Est.) | Capital City | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khomas | 510,000 | Windhoek | Includes Windhoek capital |
| Ohangwena | 360,000 | Eenhana | Northern, Ovambo majority |
| Omusati | 290,000 | Outapi | Northwestern, Ovambo majority |
| Oshana | 235,000 | Oshakati | Northwestern, Ovambo majority |
| Otjozondjupa | 165,000 | Otjiwarongo | Central |
| Erongo | 230,000 | Swakopmund | Coastal |
| Kavango East | 165,000 | Rundu | Northeastern |
| Oshikoto | 215,000 | Omuthiya | Northern |
| Hardap | 95,000 | Mariental | Southern |
| Karas | 100,000 | Keetmanshoop | Southernmost |
| Kunene | 110,000 | Opuwo | Northwestern, Himba areas |
| Omaheke | 75,000 | Gobabis | Eastern |
| Zambezi (Caprivi) | 105,000 | Katima Mulilo | Northeastern strip |
| Kavango West | 100,000 | Nkurenkuru | Northeastern |
Source: Namibia Statistics Agency 2023 census and 2025 estimates.
Khomas region (including the capital Windhoek) holds approximately 510,000 residents, with Windhoek city itself at approximately 470,000. The capital has been the destination for substantial internal migration from northern Namibia and rural areas across the country.
The northern Ovambo majority regions (Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto) together hold approximately 1.1 million residents, representing the demographic core of the country.
The southern desert regions, including Hardap and Karas, hold less than 200,000 residents combined across the vast territory of the Namib and Kalahari Deserts. These areas include some of the lowest population densities anywhere in the populated world, often below 1 resident per square kilometer.
Ethnic Composition
Namibia includes approximately 13 ethnic groups, with major communities including:
- Ovambo: approximately 50 percent (concentrated in northern regions)
- Kavango: approximately 9 percent (northeastern)
- Herero: approximately 7 percent (central and northwestern)
- Damara: approximately 7 percent (central and northern)
- Nama: approximately 5 percent (southern)
- White Namibians (German and Afrikaner descent): approximately 6 percent
- Caprivian (Zambezi area communities): approximately 4 percent
- San (Bushman): approximately 3 percent
- Himba: approximately 1 percent (northwestern)
- Various other groups: combined remaining percentage
The German colonial period from 1884 to 1915 produced a small but historically significant German-speaking minority that remains influential, particularly in commerce. The Herero and Nama populations were subject to the 1904 to 1908 genocide by German colonial forces, in which an estimated 80 percent of Herero and 50 percent of Nama were killed.
Demographic Profile in 2026
Namibia’s total fertility sits at approximately 3.2 children per woman in 2026, above the 2.1 replacement threshold.
The median age in Namibia was approximately 22 years in 2026. Approximately 4 percent of Namibians are aged 65 or older.
Life expectancy at birth in Namibia stands at approximately 65 years overall, with women averaging approximately 68 years and men approximately 62 years. The HIV epidemic has been significant in Namibia, with adult prevalence approximately 11 percent in 2026, although treatment expansion has supported substantial improvements in life expectancy from epidemic-era lows.
Future Projections
| Year | Projected Namibia Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 3.2 million | Continued growth |
| 2040 | 3.7 million | Continued growth |
| 2050 | 4.2 million | Continued growth |
| 2075 | 4.7 million | Growth slowing |
| 2100 | 5 million | Approaching long-term peak |
Source: UN World Population Prospects 2024 medium variant.
Projections from the UN World Population Prospects 2024 revision suggest the Namibia population will reach approximately 3.2 million by 2030, around 4.2 million by 2050, and approximately 5 million by 2100. The trajectory assumes continued moderate fertility, sustained improvements in mortality, and modest net migration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Namibia in 2026?
Namibia’s population in 2026 stands at approximately 3 million residents. The figure draws on the UN World Population Prospects 2024 revision and Namibia Statistics Agency estimates.
Which Namibian region has the largest population?
Khomas region (including the capital Windhoek) is the largest, with approximately 510,000 residents. The northern Ovambo regions combined hold approximately 1.1 million.
What is Namibia’s population density?
Namibia had approximately 3.6 residents per square kilometer in 2026, one of the lowest densities of any sovereign country in the world. Only Mongolia, Greenland, and a handful of others have lower densities.
What is the largest ethnic group in Namibia?
The Ovambo are the largest ethnic group at approximately 50 percent of the population, concentrated in the northern regions of Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, and Oshikoto.
What is Namibia’s fertility rate?
Namibia’s total fertility rate sits at approximately 3.2 children per woman in 2026, above the 2.1 replacement threshold.
When did Namibia gain independence?
Namibia gained independence from South Africa on March 21, 1990, after a prolonged liberation struggle led by the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO).
What was the Herero and Nama genocide?
The 1904 to 1908 genocide by German colonial forces killed an estimated 80 percent of the Herero and 50 percent of the Nama populations. The German government formally acknowledged the genocide in 2021 and pledged development assistance, although debates over reparations continue.
What is the median age in Namibia?
The median age in Namibia sits at approximately 22 years in 2026, very young by global standards. Approximately 4 percent of Namibians are aged 65 or older.
What is the life expectancy in Namibia?
Life expectancy at birth in Namibia stands at approximately 65 years overall, with women averaging approximately 68 years and men approximately 62 years. The figure has improved substantially from HIV epidemic era lows.
What is the projected Namibia population in 2050?
Namibia’s population is projected to reach approximately 4.2 million by 2050 under the UN medium variant, representing a gain of 1.2 million from the 2026 level.
Sources
- United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division.
- World Population Prospects 2024 revision.
- Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), 2023 Census Results and Subsequent Estimates.
- World Bank Open Data, World Development Indicators, 2024 and 2025 updates.
- UNAIDS Namibia, HIV Statistics.
- Live national and regional counters at worldpopulationclock.net.