Namibia/Society

Society in Namibia

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

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
3M(2023)
Population Growth
2.5%(2023)
Fertility Rate
3.21(2023)
Death Rate
6.2 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
+4.2K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
67.4 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
40.7 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
139 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure
9.3%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
92.3%(2021)
Primary Enrollment
97.5%(2018)
Secondary Enrollment
63%(2007)
Tertiary Enrollment
28.9(2022)
Education Expenditure
9%(2023)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
64.4%(2023)
Access to Electricity
56.7%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
85.9%(2022)
Urban Population
1.6M(2023)
Rural Population
1.3M(2023)

Current Social Overview of Namibia

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • Namibia has an estimated population of 3.0M
    2023
    The nation is experiencing rapid demographic expansion with an annual growth rate of 2.5%
    2023
    , indicative of a dynamic and youthful population structure and potential for a significant demographic dividend. With a fertility rate of 3.2 births per woman
    2023
    , the population maintains momentum, necessitating strategic investments in social infrastructure. Positive net migration of approximately 4K individuals annually (or 1.4 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    contributes to population stability and growth.
  • Regarding public health, Healthcare outcomes show foundational progress with a life expectancy of 67.4 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) (40.7 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (139 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by a moderate commitment to health system development, with 9.3% of GDP directed to healthcare expenditure
    2022
    .
  • Strong educational foundations are evident in the high adult literacy rate of 92%
    2021
    , which significantly contributes to human capital development. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 97% of children
    2018
    , secondary enrollment at 63%
    2007
    suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by robust public investment, with 9.0% of GDP dedicated to education spending
    2023
    , underscoring a strong commitment to human capital development.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, a still balanced urban-rural distribution (55% urban population
    2023
    ) creates diverse economic opportunities but necessitates coordinated infrastructure development to bridge potential disparities. Furthermore, critical infrastructure gaps are evident, with electricity access at 57%
    2023
    and internet penetration at 64%
    2023
    severely limiting economic potential, hindering social development, and impeding digital integration.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

A youthful, rapidly growing population presents a "demographic dividend" opportunity if met with sufficient investment in jobs and services.

Public Health System

Addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system is essential to improve lagging indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic 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.