Botswana Population: How Many People Live in Botswana?
Historical Population Data (1960-2024)
What is the population of Botswana? The current Botswana population is 2 521 139 people in 2024. Botswana has experienced significant growth in population over the past six decades. From 516 165 people in 1960, the population has grown to 2 521 139 in 2023, representing a growth of 2 004 974 people (+388.4%).
The country reached its peak population of 2 521 139 in 2024, after which population levels began to stabilize. This historical data provides valuable insights into Botswana's demographic evolution and long-term population trends.
Current Population (2024)
Population in 1960
Total Growth
Peak Population
📈 Population Trend of Botswana (1960-2024)
This interactive chart visualizes Botswana's population growth over more than six decades, from 1960 to 2024. The trend line shows how the country's total population has changed year by year, making it easy to identify periods of rapid growth, stability, or decline.
Hover over any point on the chart to see the exact population figure for that specific year. The data is sourced from World Bank (updated: 10/7/2025) and provides a comprehensive historical view of demographic changes in Botswana.
📊 Botswana Population by Decade
|
Year
|
Population
|
Change from Previous Decade
|
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 516 165 | |
| 1970 | 590 334 | +74 169 (+14.4%) |
| 1980 | 937 485 | +347 151 (+58.8%) |
| 1990 | 1 305 696 | +368 211 (+39.3%) |
| 2000 | 1 677 382 | +371 686 (+28.5%) |
| 2010 | 2 033 111 | +355 729 (+21.2%) |
| 2020 | 2 365 894 | +332 783 (+16.4%) |
| 2024 | 2 521 139 | +155 245 (+6.6%) |
This table presents Botswana's population data at key 10-year intervals, providing a clear overview of long-term demographic trends. Each row shows the population count for a specific decade, along with the absolute and percentage change from the previous data point.
By examining these decade-by-decade changes, you can quickly identify major demographic shifts and understand the overall growth pattern of Botswana without getting into year-by-year details.
📅 Complete Historical Data of Botswana (1960-2024)
|
Year
|
Population
|
Annual Change
|
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 516 165 | |
| 1961 | 527 942 | +11 777 |
| 1962 | 540 186 | +12 244 |
| 1963 | 552 966 | +12 780 |
| 1964 | 566 266 | +13 300 |
| 1965 | 574 664 | +8 398 |
| 1966 | 577 866 | +3 202 |
| 1967 | 580 933 | +3 067 |
| 1968 | 583 966 | +3 033 |
| 1969 | 587 066 | +3 100 |
| 1970 | 590 334 | +3 268 |
| 1971 | 600 481 | +10 147 |
| 1972 | 622 407 | +21 926 |
| 1973 | 652 408 | +30 001 |
| 1974 | 685 448 | +33 040 |
| 1975 | 720 380 | +34 932 |
| 1976 | 758 508 | +38 128 |
| 1977 | 799 574 | +41 066 |
| 1978 | 849 239 | +49 665 |
| 1979 | 901 742 | +52 503 |
| 1980 | 937 485 | +35 743 |
| 1981 | 969 996 | +32 511 |
| 1982 | 1 009 269 | +39 273 |
| 1983 | 1 046 137 | +36 868 |
| 1984 | 1 083 660 | +37 523 |
| 1985 | 1 121 945 | +38 285 |
| 1986 | 1 160 650 | +38 705 |
| 1987 | 1 199 167 | +38 517 |
| 1988 | 1 235 476 | +36 309 |
| 1989 | 1 270 274 | +34 798 |
| 1990 | 1 305 696 | +35 422 |
| 1991 | 1 341 756 | +36 060 |
| 1992 | 1 380 033 | +38 277 |
| 1993 | 1 420 115 | +40 082 |
| 1994 | 1 460 023 | +39 908 |
| 1995 | 1 498 836 | +38 813 |
| 1996 | 1 535 914 | +37 078 |
| 1997 | 1 571 691 | +35 777 |
| 1998 | 1 606 899 | +35 208 |
| 1999 | 1 641 997 | +35 098 |
| 2000 | 1 677 382 | +35 385 |
| 2001 | 1 712 254 | +34 872 |
| 2002 | 1 744 763 | +32 509 |
| 2003 | 1 775 736 | +30 973 |
| 2004 | 1 807 146 | +31 410 |
| 2005 | 1 839 877 | +32 731 |
| 2006 | 1 874 516 | +34 639 |
| 2007 | 1 911 201 | +36 685 |
| 2008 | 1 949 970 | +38 769 |
| 2009 | 1 990 673 | +40 703 |
| 2010 | 2 033 111 | +42 438 |
| 2011 | 2 073 535 | +40 424 |
| 2012 | 2 108 617 | +35 082 |
| 2013 | 2 140 682 | +32 065 |
| 2014 | 2 172 044 | +31 362 |
| 2015 | 2 203 273 | +31 229 |
| 2016 | 2 234 776 | +31 503 |
| 2017 | 2 266 747 | +31 971 |
| 2018 | 2 299 141 | +32 394 |
| 2019 | 2 332 083 | +32 942 |
| 2020 | 2 365 894 | +33 811 |
| 2021 | 2 401 441 | +35 547 |
| 2022 | 2 439 892 | +38 451 |
| 2023 | 2 480 244 | +40 352 |
| 2024 | 2 521 139 | +40 895 |
This comprehensive table displays the complete year-by-year population records for Botswana from 1960 to 2024. Each row represents one calendar year, showing the total population and the annual change compared to the previous year.
Use this detailed dataset to analyze short-term population fluctuations, identify specific years with significant changes, or track precise demographic patterns. The sortable columns allow you to organize the data by year, population size, or annual change to suit your research needs. Data source: World Bank (updated: 10/7/2025).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Botswana Population
What is the current population of Botswana?
The population of Botswana is estimated to be approximately 2 521 139 people as of 2024, based on official data from the World Bank.
How fast is the population of Botswana growing?
Botswana has experienced growth with an average annual growth rate of approximately 2.51% per year from 1960 to 2024. The total population has increased by 2 004 974 people (+388.4%) over this 64-year period.
How does Botswana's population compare to other countries?
Botswana ranks #192 in the world by population as of 2024, making it one of the less populous countries globally. With 2 521 139 people, Botswana accounts for approximately 0.00% of the world's total population.
How has the population of Botswana changed over time?
Over the past decades, Botswana's population has increased from 516 165 people in 1960 to 2 521 139 in 2024. The country reached its peak population of 2 521 139 in 2024. This growth reflects improvements in healthcare, economic development, and overall quality of life.
What were the population milestones of Botswana?
Botswana achieved several significant demographic milestones throughout its history. The population first reached 516 165 in 1960, and grew to its current level of 2 521 139 by 2024. The highest recorded population was 2 521 139 people in 2024, while the lowest in recent history was 516 165 in 1960.
What factors influence population growth in Botswana?
Key factors influencing population dynamics in Botswana include birth and death rates, migration patterns, government policies related to family planning and immigration, healthcare infrastructure and life expectancy, economic conditions affecting family size decisions, urbanization trends, and socio-cultural factors. The country's positive population trend over the past 64 years reflects the combined impact of these various demographic drivers.
Where can I find historical population data for Botswana?
This page provides comprehensive historical population data for Botswana from 1960 to 2024, sourced directly from the World Bank's official database. The data includes year-by-year population figures, decade summaries, growth rates, and interactive charts showing long-term demographic trends. This information is updated regularly (last update: 10/7/2025) to ensure accuracy and reliability for research, educational, and analytical purposes.