Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Namibia
CapitalWindhoek
Population3,092,816
GDP$15.1bn
Area825,615 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Various ethnic groups occupied southwestern Africa prior to Germany establishing a colony over most of the territory in 1884. South Africa occupied the colony, then known as German South West Africa, in 1915 during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966, the Marxist South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war of independence for the area that became Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Namibia gained independence in 1990, and SWAPO has governed it since, although the party has dropped much of its Marxist ideology. President Hage GEINGOB was elected in 2014 in a landslide victory, replacing Hifikepunye POHAMBA, who stepped down after serving two terms. SWAPO retained its parliamentary super majority in the 2014 elections. In 2019 elections, GEINGOB was reelected but by a substantially reduced majority, and SWAPO narrowly lost its super majority in parliament.
Reference: 2019, 2014, 1990, 1988Geography
Location
Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 824,292 sq km
land: 823,290 sq km
water: 1,002 sq km
land: 823,290 sq km
water: 1,002 sq km
Area - comparative
almost seven times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly more than half the size of Alaska
Land boundaries
total: 4,220 km
border countries: Angola 1,427 km; Botswana 1,544 km; South Africa 1,005 km; Zambia 244 km
border countries: Angola 1,427 km; Botswana 1,544 km; South Africa 1,005 km; Zambia 244 km
Coastline
1,572 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic
Terrain
mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east
Elevation
highest point: Konigstein on Brandberg 2,573 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 1,141 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 1,141 m
Natural resources
diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, silver, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, tungsten, zinc, salt, hydropower, fish
note: note: suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore
note: note: suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore
Land use
agricultural land: 47.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 46.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 9.8% (2023 est.)
other: 43.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 46.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 9.8% (2023 est.)
other: 43.1% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
80 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Major rivers (by length in km)
Zambezi (shared with Zambia [s]), Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km; Orange river mouth (shared with Lesotho [s], and South Africa) - 2,092 km; Okavango (shared with Angola [s], and Botswana [m]) - 1,600 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km)
Major aquifers
Lower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin
Population distribution
population density is very low, with the largest clusters found in the extreme north-central area along the border with Angola, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
prolonged periods of drought
Geography - note
the Namib Desert, after which the country is named, is considered to be the oldest desert in the world; some 14% of the land is protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Namibian(s)
adjective: Namibian
adjective: Namibian
Ethnic groups
Ovambo 50%, Kavangos 9%, Herero 7%, Damara 7%, mixed European and African ancestry 6.5%, European 6%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%
Languages
Oshiwambo languages 49.7%, Nama/Damara 11%, Kavango languages 10.4%, Afrikaans 9.4%, Herero languages 9.2%, Zambezi languages 4.9%, English (official) 2.3%, other African languages 1.5%, other European languages 0.7%, other 1% (2016 est.)
note: note: Namibia has 13 recognized national languages, including 10 indigenous African languages and 3 European languages
Reference: 2016note: note: Namibia has 13 recognized national languages, including 10 indigenous African languages and 3 European languages
Religions
Christian 97.5%, other 0.6% (includes Muslim, Baha'i, Jewish, Buddhist), unaffiliated 1.9% (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Age structure
0-14 years: 34.1% (male 482,790/female 473,306)
15-64 years: 62% (male 846,810/female 890,099)
65 years and over: 3.9% (2024 est.) (male 47,686/female 62,969)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 62% (male 846,810/female 890,099)
65 years and over: 3.9% (2024 est.) (male 47,686/female 62,969)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 61.4 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 55 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 15.7 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 55 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 15.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 22.8 years (2024 est.)
male: 22.1 years
female: 23.5 years
Reference: 2024male: 22.1 years
female: 23.5 years
Population growth rate
1.72% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
24.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
7.1 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
population density is very low, with the largest clusters found in the extreme north-central area along the border with Angola, as shown in this population distribution map
Major urban areas - population
477,000 WINDHOEK (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
21.6 years (2013 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2013note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
139 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.43 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 96.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 73.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 85.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 3.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 26.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 14.1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 73.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 85.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 3.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 26.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 14.1% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.55 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 70.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 23.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 49% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 29.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 76.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 51% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 23.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 49% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 29.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 76.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 51% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
17.2% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 2.38 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1.37 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.53 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 1.37 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.53 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 11.8% (2025 est.)
male: 20.5% (2025 est.)
female: 3.9% (2025 est.)
male: 20.5% (2025 est.)
female: 3.9% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
33.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 6,575 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 1,399 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 14,796 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 1,399 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 14,796 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah | — | 2025-03-21 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Elijah Ngurare | — | 2025-03-21 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Namibia
conventional short form: Namibia
local long form: Republic of Namibia
local short form: Namibia
former: German South-West Africa (Deutsch-Suedwestafrika), South-West Africa
etymology: named for the coastal Namib Desert; the word namib comes from the local Nama language and means "an area where there is nothing"
conventional short form: Namibia
local long form: Republic of Namibia
local short form: Namibia
former: German South-West Africa (Deutsch-Suedwestafrika), South-West Africa
etymology: named for the coastal Namib Desert; the word namib comes from the local Nama language and means "an area where there is nothing"
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Windhoek
geographic coordinates: 22 34 S, 17 05 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name is an Afrikaans word meaning "windy corner;" a local Khoikhoin chief first used the name in the 19th century and may have derived it from the name of his childhood South African village of Winterhoek
geographic coordinates: 22 34 S, 17 05 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name is an Afrikaans word meaning "windy corner;" a local Khoikhoin chief first used the name in the 19th century and may have derived it from the name of his childhood South African village of Winterhoek
Administrative divisions
14 regions; Erongo, Hardap, //Karas, Kavango East, Kavango West, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Zambezi
note: note: the Karas region was renamed //Karas in 2013 to include the alveolar lateral click of the Khoekhoegowab language
Reference: 2013note: note: the Karas region was renamed //Karas in 2013 to include the alveolar lateral click of the Khoekhoegowab language
Legal system
mixed system of uncodified civil law based on Roman-Dutch law and customary law
Constitution
history: adopted 9 February 1990, entered into force 21 March 1990
amendment process: passage requires majority vote of the National Assembly membership and of the National Council of Parliament and assent of the president of the republic; if the National Council fails to pass an amendment, the president can call for a referendum; passage by referendum requires two-thirds majority of votes cast; amendments that detract from or repeal constitutional articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended, and the requisite majorities needed by Parliament to amend the constitution cannot be changed
Reference: 1990amendment process: passage requires majority vote of the National Assembly membership and of the National Council of Parliament and assent of the president of the republic; if the National Council fails to pass an amendment, the president can call for a referendum; passage by referendum requires two-thirds majority of votes cast; amendments that detract from or repeal constitutional articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended, and the requisite majorities needed by Parliament to amend the constitution cannot be changed
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Namibia
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Namibia
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Netumbo Nandi-NDAITWAH (since 21 March 2025)
head of government: President Netumbo Nandi-NDAITWAH (since 21 March 2025)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of the National Assembly
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 27 November 2024
election results: 2024: Netumbo Nandi-NDAITWAH elected president in the first round; percent of vote -Netumbo Nandi-NDAITWAH (SWAPO) 57%, Panduleni ITULA (IPC) 26%, McHenry VENAANI (PDM) 5.10%, Bernadus SWARTBOOI (LPM) 4.72%, Job AMUPANDA (AR) 1.80%, Hendrik GAOBEAB (UDF) 1.16%; other 3.31%
2019: Hage GEINGOB reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Hage GEINGOB (SWAPO) 56.3%, Panduleni ITULA (independent) 29.4%, McHenry VENAANI (PDM) 5.3%, other .9%
expected date of next election: November 2029
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Reference: 2029, 2025, 2024, 2019head of government: President Netumbo Nandi-NDAITWAH (since 21 March 2025)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of the National Assembly
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 27 November 2024
election results: 2024: Netumbo Nandi-NDAITWAH elected president in the first round; percent of vote -Netumbo Nandi-NDAITWAH (SWAPO) 57%, Panduleni ITULA (IPC) 26%, McHenry VENAANI (PDM) 5.10%, Bernadus SWARTBOOI (LPM) 4.72%, Job AMUPANDA (AR) 1.80%, Hendrik GAOBEAB (UDF) 1.16%; other 3.31%
2019: Hage GEINGOB reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Hage GEINGOB (SWAPO) 56.3%, Panduleni ITULA (independent) 29.4%, McHenry VENAANI (PDM) 5.3%, other .9%
expected date of next election: November 2029
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: National Assembly
number of seats: 104 (96 directly elected; 8 appointed)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 11/27/2024 to 11/30/2024
parties elected and seats per party: SWAPO Party (51); Independent Patriots of Change (IPC) (20); Affirmative Repositioning (AR) (6); Landless People's Movement (LPM) (5); Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) (5); Other (9)
percentage of women in chamber: 42.3%
expected date of next election: November 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024number of seats: 104 (96 directly elected; 8 appointed)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 11/27/2024 to 11/30/2024
parties elected and seats per party: SWAPO Party (51); Independent Patriots of Change (IPC) (20); Affirmative Repositioning (AR) (6); Landless People's Movement (LPM) (5); Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) (5); Other (9)
percentage of women in chamber: 42.3%
expected date of next election: November 2029
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: National Council
number of seats: 42 (all indirectly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 12/15/2020
percentage of women in chamber: 14.3%
expected date of next election: December 2025
note: note: the Council primarily reviews legislation passed and referred by the National Assembly
Reference: 2025, 2020number of seats: 42 (all indirectly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 12/15/2020
percentage of women in chamber: 14.3%
expected date of next election: December 2025
note: note: the Council primarily reviews legislation passed and referred by the National Assembly
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 3 judges in quorum sessions)
judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the president of Namibia on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission; judges serve until age 65, but terms can be extended by the president until age 70
subordinate courts: High Court; Electoral Court, Labor Court; regional and district magistrates' courts; community courts
judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the president of Namibia on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission; judges serve until age 65, but terms can be extended by the president until age 70
subordinate courts: High Court; Electoral Court, Labor Court; regional and district magistrates' courts; community courts
Political parties
All People's Party or APP
Christian Democratic Voice or CDV
Landless People's Movement or LPM
National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO
Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters or NEFF
Popular Democratic Movement or PDM (formerly Democratic Turnhalle Alliance or DTA)
Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP
Republican Party or RP
South West Africa National Union or SWANU
South West Africa People's Organization or SWAPO
United Democratic Front or UDF
United People's Movement or UPM
Christian Democratic Voice or CDV
Landless People's Movement or LPM
National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO
Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters or NEFF
Popular Democratic Movement or PDM (formerly Democratic Turnhalle Alliance or DTA)
Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP
Republican Party or RP
South West Africa National Union or SWANU
South West Africa People's Organization or SWAPO
United Democratic Front or UDF
United People's Movement or UPM
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Margareth Natalie MENSAH-WILLIAMS (since 18 January 2021)
chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540
FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443
email address and website: info@namibiaembassyusa.org
https://namibiaembassyusa.org/
Reference: 2021chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540
FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443
email address and website: info@namibiaembassyusa.org
https://namibiaembassyusa.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador John GIORDANO (since 29 October 2025)
embassy: 38 Metje Street, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek
mailing address: 2540 Windhoek Place, Washington DC 20521-2540
telephone: [264] (61) 202-5000
FAX: [264] (61) 202-5219
email address and website: ConsularWindhoek@state.gov
https://na.usembassy.gov/
embassy: 38 Metje Street, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek
mailing address: 2540 Windhoek Place, Washington DC 20521-2540
telephone: [264] (61) 202-5000
FAX: [264] (61) 202-5219
email address and website: ConsularWindhoek@state.gov
https://na.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, CPLP (associate observer), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)
Reference: 1990National holiday
Independence Day, 21 March (1990)
Reference: 1990Flag
description: a wide red stripe edged with narrow white stripes divides the flag diagonally from lower-left corner to upper-right corner; the upper triangle is blue and has a golden-yellow, 12-ray sunburst, and the lower triangle is green
meaning: red stands for the heroism of the people and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity; white stands for peace, unity, tranquility, and harmony; blue stands for the sky and the Atlantic Ocean, the sun for power and existence, and green for vegetation and agricultural resources
meaning: red stands for the heroism of the people and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity; white stands for peace, unity, tranquility, and harmony; blue stands for the sky and the Atlantic Ocean, the sun for power and existence, and green for vegetation and agricultural resources
National symbol(s)
oryx (antelope)
National color(s)
blue, red, green, white, yellow
National anthem(s)
title: "Namibia, Land of the Brave"
lyrics/music: Axali DOESEB
history: adopted 1991
Reference: 1991lyrics/music: Axali DOESEB
history: adopted 1991
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 2 (1 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes (c); Namib Sand Sea (n)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes (c); Namib Sand Sea (n)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namibia official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Namibia | — | — | — |
Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income, export-driven Sub-Saharan economy; natural resource rich; Walvis Bay port expansion for trade; high potential for renewable power generation and energy independence; major nature-based tourist locale; natural resource rich; shortage of skilled labor
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $31.154 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $30.039 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $28.761 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $30.039 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $28.761 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $10,300 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $10,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $10,000 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $10,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $10,000 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 7.3% (2024 est.)
industry: 28.9% (2024 est.)
services: 54.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 28.9% (2024 est.)
services: 54.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 79.3% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 21.5% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 23.7% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.9% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 41.6% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -68% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 21.5% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 23.7% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.9% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 41.6% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -68% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
root vegetables, milk, maize, beef, grapes, onions, wheat, fruits, pulses, vegetables (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
mining, tourism, fishing, agriculture
Industrial production growth rate
1% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
1.131 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 37.3% (2024 est.)
male: 36.7% (2024 est.)
female: 38% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 36.7% (2024 est.)
female: 38% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
17.4% (2015 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2015note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2015: 59.1 (2015 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2015note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1% (2015 est.)
highest 10%: 47.2% (2015 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2015highest 10%: 47.2% (2015 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 1.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $4.415 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $4.779 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $4.779 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2019: 4.64% of GDP (2019 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2019note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
33% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$2.055 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.893 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.605 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$1.893 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.605 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $5.887 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $5.729 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.361 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $5.729 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.361 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
South Africa 27%, China 12%, Botswana 8%, Belgium 7%, France 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, diamonds, radioactive chemicals, fish, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $9.199 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $8.443 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $7.43 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $8.443 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $7.43 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
South Africa 36%, China 9%, India 7%, UAE 4%, USA 3% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, copper ore, ships, electricity, trucks (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $3.356 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $2.956 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $2.803 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $2.956 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $2.803 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Namibian dollars (NAD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 18.329 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 18.446 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 16.356 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 14.779 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 16.463 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 18.329 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 18.446 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 16.356 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 14.779 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 16.463 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$2.055 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.893 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.605 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$1.893 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.605 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $5.887 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $5.729 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.361 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $5.729 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.361 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
South Africa 27%, China 12%, Botswana 8%, Belgium 7%, France 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, diamonds, radioactive chemicals, fish, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $9.199 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $8.443 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $7.43 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $8.443 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $7.43 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
South Africa 36%, China 9%, India 7%, UAE 4%, USA 3% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, copper ore, ships, electricity, trucks (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 646,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 3.891 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 169 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 2.917 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 747.409 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 3.891 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 169 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 2.917 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 747.409 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 1.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 26.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 70% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 26.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 70% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 24,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 900 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 26,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 350 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023exports: 900 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 26,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 350 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 23,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Natural gas
proven reserves: 62.297 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 21.734 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 81,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
139 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.55 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Obesity - adult prevalence rate
17.2% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 11.8% (2025 est.)
male: 20.5% (2025 est.)
female: 3.9% (2025 est.)
male: 20.5% (2025 est.)
female: 3.9% (2025 est.)
Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of uncodified civil law based on Roman-Dutch law and customary law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 3 judges in quorum sessions)
judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the president of Namibia on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission; judges serve until age 65, but terms can be extended by the president until age 70
subordinate courts: High Court; Electoral Court, Labor Court; regional and district magistrates' courts; community courts
judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the president of Namibia on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission; judges serve until age 65, but terms can be extended by the president until age 70
subordinate courts: High Court; Electoral Court, Labor Court; regional and district magistrates' courts; community courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Namibian Defense Force (NDF): Namibian Army, Namibian Navy, Namibian Air Force (2025)
note: note: the Namibian Police Force is under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security; it has a paramilitary Special Field Force responsible for protecting borders and government installations
note: note: the Namibian Police Force is under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security; it has a paramilitary Special Field Force responsible for protecting borders and government installations
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 2.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 3.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 3.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 12,000 active Namibian Defense Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the NDF's inventory consists of a mix of Soviet-era and some more modern systems from a variety of countries, including Brazil, China, Germany, India, and South Africa; most of the Navy's vessels and the Air Force's fighter aircraft were acquired from China; Namibia has a small defense industry that produces items such as armored personnel carriers (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age for men and women for voluntary military service; no conscription (2024)
note: note: as of 2022, women comprised about 23% of the active-duty military
Reference: 2024, 2022note: note: as of 2022, women comprised about 23% of the active-duty military
Military - note
the NDF’s primary responsibility is defending Namibia's territorial integrity and national interests; other responsibilities include support to civil authorities and participating in peace and stability missions under the African Union, Southern African Development Community, and the UN; Namibia has bilateral defense ties with several countries, including Botswana, India, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia
the NDF was created in 1990, largely from demobilized former members of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and the South West Africa Territorial Force (SWATF); the PLAN was the armed wing of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), while SWATF was an auxiliary of the South African Defense Force and comprised the armed forces of the former South West Africa, 1977-1989; from 1990-1995, the British military assisted with the forming and training the NDF (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1995, 1990, 1989the NDF was created in 1990, largely from demobilized former members of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and the South West Africa Territorial Force (SWATF); the PLAN was the armed wing of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), while SWATF was an auxiliary of the South African Defense Force and comprised the armed forces of the former South West Africa, 1977-1989; from 1990-1995, the British military assisted with the forming and training the NDF (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Margareth Natalie MENSAH-WILLIAMS (since 18 January 2021)
chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540
FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443
email address and website: info@namibiaembassyusa.org
https://namibiaembassyusa.org/
Reference: 2021chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540
FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443
email address and website: info@namibiaembassyusa.org
https://namibiaembassyusa.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador John GIORDANO (since 29 October 2025)
embassy: 38 Metje Street, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek
mailing address: 2540 Windhoek Place, Washington DC 20521-2540
telephone: [264] (61) 202-5000
FAX: [264] (61) 202-5219
email address and website: ConsularWindhoek@state.gov
https://na.usembassy.gov/
embassy: 38 Metje Street, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek
mailing address: 2540 Windhoek Place, Washington DC 20521-2540
telephone: [264] (61) 202-5000
FAX: [264] (61) 202-5219
email address and website: ConsularWindhoek@state.gov
https://na.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, CPLP (associate observer), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | — |
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1990-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1990-04-23 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-01-01 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, CPLP (associate observer), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 6,575 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 1,399 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 14,796 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 1,399 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 14,796 (2024 est.)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
V5
Airports
259 (2025)
Heliports
1 (2025)
Railways
total: 2,628 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 2,628 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
Reference: 2014narrow gauge: 2,628 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 15 (2023)
by type: general cargo 1, other 14
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 1, other 14
Ports
total ports: 2 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 2
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 2
key ports: Luderitz Bay, Walvis Bay
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 2
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 2
key ports: Luderitz Bay, Walvis Bay
Environment
Environmental issues
depletion and degradation of water and aquatic resources; desertification; land degradation; loss of biodiversity; wildlife poaching
International environmental agreements
party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic
Land use
agricultural land: 47.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 46.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 9.8% (2023 est.)
other: 43.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 46.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 9.8% (2023 est.)
other: 43.1% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 54.9% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 3.46 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 48,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 3.412 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 48,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 3.412 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
11.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 2.1 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 193.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 13.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 0.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 193.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 13.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 0.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 256,700 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 19.6% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 19.6% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 61.568 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 18.61 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 201 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 18.61 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 201 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
39.91 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 81,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
1 private and 1 state-run TV station; satellite and cable TV service available; state-run radio broadcasts in multiple languages; about a dozen private radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters available
Internet country code
.na
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2,439,213 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 2,506,853 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 2,577,327 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 2,650,494 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 2,728,762 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 2,810,548 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 2,889,662 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 2,963,095 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 3,030,131 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 3,092,816 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $10,722,018,732 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $12,895,153,371 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $13,682,019,076 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $12,541,928,303 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $10,583,748,542 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $12,402,486,184 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $12,569,449,123 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $12,522,012,874 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $13,641,190,683 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $15,080,340,654 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 109,391 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 116,035 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 45,857 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 36,999 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 44,921 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 47,680 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 45,530 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 43,728 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 42,223 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 40,371 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 14,002 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 16,080 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 17,920 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 19,676 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 27,056 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 31,327 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 22,212 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 11,675 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 4,211 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 1,866 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,092,816 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 3,153,246 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 2,533,794 | 2017 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 116,035 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 3.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 40,371 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 1,866 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 7,249 | 2010 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 1,411 | 2010 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 685 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 358 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.859 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.309 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.802 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.207 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.749 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.649 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 1.246 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 21 June 2024 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No / Yes Foreign same-sex marriages recognised | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No / Yes Foreign same-sex marriages recognised | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Under the Births, Marriages and Deaths Registration Act 81 of 1963 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $15,080,340,654 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $4,876 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 1.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 3.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 19.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 67.5 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 3.2 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 50.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 64.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 44.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 63.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 108.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 87.6% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 82.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 9.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 59.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 1,232 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 30.0% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 9.5% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 36.4 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 7.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 85.2 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 2.8 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 427 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -22.5648° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 17.0931° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -23.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 17.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00, Africa/Windhoek | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:29