Botswana
Republic of Botswana
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +1.53%
Situated in Southern Africa, Botswana has a population of approximately 2.36 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. This landlocked territory spans 582,000 km² with a density of 4.0 people per km². Its capital is Gaborone, and official languages include English and Tswana, while the Botswana pula serves as the national currency.
Population
2,359,609
Area
582,000 km²
Density
4/km²
World Rank
#146
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 24.7 per thousand against deaths at 5.7 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 32.1% of residents under 15 and 4% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Gaborone
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Southern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English, Tswana
- Currencies
- Botswana pula (P)
- Calling Code
- +267
- Top-Level Domain
- .bw
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 2,359,609
- Land Area
- 582,000 km²
- Population Density
- 4 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +1.53%
- Annual Growth
- +36,102 people
- Daily Growth
- +99 people
- World Population Share
- 0.03%
- Coordinates
- -22.00°, 24.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $7.7k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment is a pressing concern at 24.5%, far exceeding the global benchmark of 5.8%. A Gini index of 54.9 signals substantial income inequality, suggesting that economic gains are concentrated among a smaller share of the population.
Life Expectancy
69.2 years
GDP per Capita
$7,696
Birth Rate
24.7 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.7 per 1,000
Urban Population
67.5%
Fertility Rate
2.73 births/woman
Infant Mortality
38.2 per 1,000
Unemployment
24.5%
Literacy Rate
81.2%
Internet Users
81.4%
Under 15
32.1%
Over 65
4.0%
Health Spending
6.3% GDP
Gini Index
54.9
Age Distribution
0-14 years
758K
15-64 years
1.5M
65+ years
95K
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 67.5% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. Gaborone serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Extremely low population density means that settlements are widely dispersed, raising logistical hurdles for infrastructure and public service delivery.
1.6M
67.5%
767,817
32.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 69.2 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 38.2 per thousand live births, somewhat lower than the global average. The literacy rate of 81.2% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Botswana
Botswana has 2 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Botswana is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Botswana participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2,359,609 |
| 2030 | 2,502,120 |
| 2035 | 2,680,969 |
| 2040 | 2,860,806 |
| 2045 | 3,041,932 |
| 2050 | 3,224,713 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Botswana.
Largest Cities in Botswana
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Botswana by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Botswana?
The population of Botswana is approximately 2.4 million as of 2026, making it #146 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Botswana?
The capital of Botswana is Gaborone.
What languages are spoken in Botswana?
The main languages spoken in Botswana are English, Tswana.
How big is Botswana?
Botswana covers an area of 582,000 km² with a population density of 4 people per km².
Is Botswana growing or shrinking?
Botswana is growing at a rate of 1.53% per year, adding approximately 36,102 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Botswana?
The average life expectancy in Botswana is 69.2 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Botswana?
The GDP per capita of Botswana is $7,696.