Namibia
- Capital:
- Windhoek
- Continent:
- Africa
- Region(s):
- Southern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa
- Largest Cities:
- Windhoek, Rundu, Walvis Bay
- Abbreviation:
- NAM
3,153,246
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
3,153,246
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
Namibia's population is projected to be 5,881,977 by 2097.
Historical
Switch the toggle to see projected data.
| Year ↓ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3,153,246 | 2.33% | 137 |
| 2025 | 3,092,816 | 2.54% | 138 |
| 2020 | 2,728,762 | 2.95% | 143 |
| 2019 | 2,650,494 | 2.84% | 143 |
| 2018 | 2,577,327 | 2.81% | 143 |
| 2017 | 2,506,853 | 2.77% | 143 |
| 2015 | 2,374,300 | 2.39% | 143 |
| 2010 | 2,109,811 | 1.42% | 142 |
| 2005 | 1,966,582 | 1.58% | 145 |
| 2000 | 1,818,647 | 2.57% | 146 |
| Year ↑ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3,153,246 | 2.33% | 137 |
| 2032 | 3,508,237 | 1.77% | 134 |
| 2037 | 3,792,796 | 1.57% | 132 |
| 2042 | 4,073,357 | 1.44% | 132 |
| 2047 | 4,355,498 | 1.35% | 132 |
| 2052 | 4,616,271 | 1.17% | 131 |
| 2057 | 4,859,148 | 1.03% | 130 |
| 2062 | 5,076,029 | 0.88% | 127 |
| 2067 | 5,262,698 | 0.73% | 125 |
| 2072 | 5,421,639 | 0.6% | 126 |
116K
250K
500K
Windhoek has a metropolitan area population of 537,336, comprising 17.04%% of Namibia's total population.
| Rank | City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | % of National Pop. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Windhoek | 537,336 | 17.04% |
| 2 | Rundu | 137,831 | 4.37% |
| 3 | Walvis Bay | 116,471 | 3.69% |
| 4 | Swakopmund | 86,659 | 2.75% |
| 5 | Oshakati | 66,023 | 2.09% |
| 6 | Otjiwarongo | 56,265 | 1.78% |
| 7 | Okahandja | 52,494 | 1.66% |
| 8 | Katima Mulilo | 52,478 | 1.66% |
| 9 | Rehoboth | 44,479 | 1.41% |
| 10 | Tsumeb | 40,571 | 1.29% |
As of 2026, Namibia has a total population of 3,153,246, ranking as the 137th most populous nation in the world.
Namibia represents 0.04% of the total global population and 0.2% of Africa's population.
Namibia has a population density of 3.8 people per km² (approximately 9.9 per mi²), making it the 226th most densely populated country in the world.
Currently, 53.79% of the population resides in urban areas, a figure that is increasing annually.
*Rates last updated: June 16, 2026
As of 2026, the largest ethnicity in Namibia is Ovambo (50%) , followed by Kavango (9%) .
As of 2026, Christian is the largest religion in Namibia, comprising 97.5% of the population.