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Botswana

Africa · Southern Africa · BWA · 581,730 km²
Population
2,521,139
Year 2024

Total number of people living in the country.

Population Density
4.4/km²

How many people live per square kilometer of land.

Life Expectancy
69.2 years
♂ 66.7 / ♀ 71.7

How long a newborn baby can expect to live on average.

Fertility Rate (TFR)
2.73
children per woman

Average number of children born to each woman. About 2.1 is needed to keep population stable.

Median Age
29.0 years

Half the population is younger and half is older than this age.

Net Migration
-5,778

Difference between people moving in and out. Positive means more arrivals.

Key demographic indicators for Botswana as of 2024. These numbers give a quick overview of the country's population size, density, birth rates, life expectancy, and migration patterns.

Population Trend

How the total population has changed over the decades. A rising line means the country has been growing, a flat or falling line indicates stagnation or decline.

Population Projection to 2100

Estimated future population based on current trends in birth rates, death rates, and migration. The dashed line shows this is a projection, not actual data.

Birth Rate vs Death Rate

Birth rate (green) vs. death rate (red) per 1,000 people per year. When the birth rate is higher than the death rate, the population grows naturally.

Life Expectancy (Male vs Female)

Average number of years a newborn can expect to live. Blue shows men, red shows women. Women typically live longer in most countries.

Fertility Rate Trend

Total Fertility Rate — the average number of children per woman. A rate of about 2.1 is needed to maintain the population without immigration.

Population Pyramid

Shows the age distribution of the population. Blue bars (left) represent men, red bars (right) represent women. A wide base means a young population, a wide top means an aging population.

Historical Data

Detailed numbers for selected years showing how the country's key indicators have changed over time. Click column headers to sort.

Year Population Growth Rate Fertility Rate (TFR) Life Expectancy Median Age Birth Rate Death Rate
1960 516,164 0.00% 6.60 51.2 19.9 47.1‰ 16.4‰
1965 574,664 1.47% 6.60 53.9 17.5 45.8‰ 14.4‰
1970 590,334 0.56% 6.55 56.4 15.9 45.7‰ 12.8‰
1975 720,380 4.97% 6.61 59.5 17.3 46.2‰ 10.4‰
1980 937,485 3.89% 6.29 62.5 18.9 44.7‰ 8.5‰
1985 1,121,945 3.47% 5.48 63.6 18.8 39.4‰ 7.3‰
1990 1,305,696 2.75% 4.51 60.1 19.7 33.6‰ 8.3‰
1995 1,498,836 2.62% 3.79 54.7 22.1 29.9‰ 10.9‰
2000 1,677,382 2.13% 3.29 52.3 25.0 27.9‰ 12.5‰
2005 1,839,877 1.79% 3.08 54.4 26.9 27.7‰ 11.7‰
2010 2,033,111 2.11% 3.14 59.1 27.7 28.4‰ 9.6‰
2015 2,203,273 1.43% 3.01 63.2 27.6 26.5‰ 7.9‰
2020 2,365,894 1.44% 2.86 67.6 28.5 25.5‰ 6.3‰
2024 2,521,139 1.64% 2.73 69.2 29.0 24.7‰ 5.7‰
2025 2,562,369 1.64% 2.73 69.3 29.0 24.7‰ 5.7‰
2030 2,769,926 1.53% 2.67 69.8 29.2 23.7‰ 5.9‰
2035 2,978,260 1.42% 2.61 70.3 29.4 22.8‰ 6.2‰
2040 3,185,095 1.31% 2.55 70.8 29.6 21.8‰ 6.4‰
2045 3,388,012 1.20% 2.48 71.3 29.7 20.8‰ 6.6‰
2050 3,584,494 1.09% 2.42 71.8 29.9 19.8‰ 6.8‰
2055 3,771,974 0.98% 2.36 72.3 30.1 18.8‰ 7.0‰
2060 3,947,887 0.87% 2.30 72.8 30.3 17.8‰ 7.3‰
2065 4,109,732 0.76% 2.23 73.3 30.5 16.9‰ 7.5‰
2070 4,255,128 0.65% 2.17 73.8 30.6 15.9‰ 7.7‰
2075 4,381,868 0.55% 2.11 74.3 30.8 14.9‰ 7.9‰
2080 4,487,982 0.44% 2.05 74.8 31.0 13.9‰ 8.1‰
2085 4,571,782 0.33% 1.99 75.3 31.2 12.9‰ 8.3‰
2090 4,631,907 0.22% 1.92 75.8 31.3 12.0‰ 8.6‰
2095 4,667,364 0.11% 1.86 76.3 31.5 11.0‰ 8.8‰
2100 4,677,549 0.00% 1.80 76.8 31.7 10.0‰ 9.0‰

About Country — Botswana

Botswana is a country in Africa (Southern Africa) with a total population of 2,521,139 as of 2024. It covers an area of 581,730 km², resulting in a population density of 4.4 people per km².

The average life expectancy is 69.2 years (66.7 for men, 71.7 for women). The fertility rate stands at 2.73 children per woman, and the median age of the population is 29.0 years.

The country's population growth rate is 1.64% per year. Net migration is -5,778 people, indicating that more people are leaving the country than arriving. The infant mortality rate is 38.2 per 1,000 live births.

Demographic Profile

Botswana is located in Southern Africa, a part of Africa, and covers an area of 581,730 km². With a population of 2,521,139, the country has a population density of 4.4 inhabitants per square kilometer, which is below the global average of approximately 60 people per km².

The demographic structure of Botswana reveals a population in demographic transition. The median age of 29.0 years means that half of the population is younger and half is older than this age. The population is in a transitional phase, with declining birth rates and improving life expectancy gradually shifting the age structure toward an older profile.

Health and Longevity

Life expectancy in Botswana stands at 69.2 years overall — 66.7 years for men and 71.7 years for women. This is close to the global average, indicating ongoing improvements in healthcare and living conditions. The infant mortality rate is 38.2 per 1,000 live births, which indicates significant challenges in maternal and child healthcare.

Fertility and Population Growth

The total fertility rate (TFR) of 2.73 children per woman is above the replacement level of 2.1, contributing to population growth. The population is growing at a rate of 1.64% per year. At this rate, the population could double within approximately 43 years if trends continue.

Migration

Net migration in Botswana is -5,778 people, meaning more people are leaving the country than arriving. Emigration may reflect economic challenges or conflict, and can lead to brain drain as skilled workers seek opportunities elsewhere.

Outlook

Based on current demographic trends, Botswana's population dynamics reflect broader patterns seen across Southern Africa. The ongoing demographic transition will require careful policy planning to harness the potential of a changing population structure.

Year Reviews

2024

In 2024, Botswana had a population of 2,521,139. Located in Africa (Southern Africa), the country experienced a population growth rate of 1.64%.

The total fertility rate stood at 2.73 children per woman. Life expectancy was 69.2 years overall, with men averaging 66.7 years and women 71.7 years. The median age of the population was 29.0 years.

The crude birth rate was 24.7 per 1,000 people, while the crude death rate was 5.7 per 1,000 people. Net migration amounted to -5,778 people. The infant mortality rate was 38.2 per 1,000 live births.

2000

In 2000, Botswana had a population of 1,677,382. Located in Africa (Southern Africa), the country experienced a population growth rate of 2.13%.

The total fertility rate stood at 3.29 children per woman. Life expectancy was 52.3 years overall, with men averaging 50.5 years and women 54.0 years. The median age of the population was 25.0 years.

The crude birth rate was 27.9 per 1,000 people, while the crude death rate was 12.5 per 1,000 people. Net migration amounted to 9,798 people. The infant mortality rate was 42.5 per 1,000 live births.

1974

In 1974, Botswana had a population of 685,448. Located in Africa (Southern Africa), the country experienced a population growth rate of 4.94%.

The total fertility rate stood at 6.61 children per woman. Life expectancy was 58.9 years overall, with men averaging 56.3 years and women 61.2 years. The median age of the population was 16.9 years.

The crude birth rate was 46.1 per 1,000 people, while the crude death rate was 10.9 per 1,000 people. Net migration amounted to 8,854 people. The infant mortality rate was 82.3 per 1,000 live births.

1964

In 1964, Botswana had a population of 566,266. Located in Africa (Southern Africa), the country experienced a population growth rate of 2.38%.

The total fertility rate stood at 6.61 children per woman. Life expectancy was 53.4 years overall, with men averaging 51.2 years and women 55.4 years. The median age of the population was 17.8 years.

The crude birth rate was 45.8 per 1,000 people, while the crude death rate was 14.6 per 1,000 people. Net migration amounted to -4,126 people. The infant mortality rate was 108.3 per 1,000 live births.

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