Namibia Population 2026: 2.6M People, Vast Empty Land
Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet: 2.6M people across 824,292 km², giving a density of 3/km².
GDP per capita stands at $4,769: below the global average, reflecting a developing economy. The capital, Windhoek, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Namibia's Population
With a population of 2.6M, Namibia is home to a significant number of people within its 824,292 km² of territory. The population density of 3/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: one of the lowest densities in the world, with vast open and largely uninhabited spaces.
The capital city, Windhoek, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Namibia. Namibia has a coastline of 1,572 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Namibia has a total GDP of $12.4B, translating to $4,769 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD).
Namibia gained independence in 1990 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is English, making it straightforward for international visitors and businesses to communicate.
Within the Southern Africa region, Namibia sits alongside South Africa (60.1M), Zimbabwe (16.3M), Angola (35.6M). This regional context helps illustrate how Namibia's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Namibia's Population
What is the population of Namibia in 2026?
The population of Namibia is approximately 2.6M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Namibia?
The capital city of Namibia is Windhoek, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Namibia?
Namibia has a population density of 3/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of Namibia?
Namibia has a GDP per capita of $4,769, with a total GDP of $12.4B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Namibia?
The official language of Namibia is English.
How big is Namibia?
Namibia covers a total area of 824,292 km². With a population of 2.6M, that gives a density of 3/km².
When did Namibia gain independence?
Namibia gained independence in 1990.
What currency is used in Namibia?
The official currency of Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (NAD).
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