Botswana/Society

Society in Botswana

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
2.5M(2023)
Population Growth
1.6%(2023)
Fertility Rate
2.73(2023)
Death Rate
5.7 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-5.8K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
69.2 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
39.6 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
155 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure
5.7%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
86.8%(2013)
Primary Enrollment
87.7%(2014)
Secondary Enrollment
70%(2021)
Tertiary Enrollment
21.8(2023)
Education Expenditure
8.1%(2020)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
81.4%(2023)
Access to Electricity
76%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
92.6%(2022)
Urban Population
1.8M(2023)
Rural Population
673K(2023)

Current Social Overview of Botswana

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • Botswana has an estimated population of 2.5M
    2023
    A steady annual growth rate of 1.6%
    2023
    supports sustained population expansion, providing a stable base for economic development. The fertility rate of 2.7 births per woman
    2023
    is above replacement level, ensuring sustainable long-term population stability without significant external migration. Net emigration of approximately 6K individuals annually (or 2.3 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    adds pressure to demographic transitions and workforce sustainability.
  • Regarding public health, Healthcare outcomes show foundational progress with a life expectancy of 69.2 years
    2023
    , yet significant disparities or developmental gaps may still exist. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (39.6 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (155 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 5.7% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Educational progress is reflected in a literacy rate of 87%
    2013
    , though continued efforts are needed to achieve universal literacy and enhance foundational skills. Complementing this, educational access shows solid progress through 88% primary enrollment
    2014
    and 70% secondary participation rates
    2021
    . This educational framework is supported by robust public investment, with 8.1% of GDP dedicated to education spending
    2020
    , underscoring a strong commitment to human capital development.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 73% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, basic infrastructure coverage includes 76% electricity access
    2023
    . However, digital connectivity at {currentInternet}% internet penetration
    2023
    indicates significant opportunities for further digital transformation and economic inclusion.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

Managing demographic trends is crucial for long-term economic planning and workforce stability.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

Educational attainment is a direct driver of economic innovation and global competitiveness. Investment in education is key to unlocking human potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Expanding access to basic infrastructure, particularly electricity, remains a key bottleneck for broad-based development.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.