Namibia flag

Namibia

Republic of Namibia

Capital

Windhoek

Region

Africa

Population

3,022,401

Area (km²)

825,615

💡Quick Summary

Namibia, a vast southern African nation spanning 825,615 km², boasts a population of about 3 million people and is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the ancient Namib Desert and Etosha National Park teeming with wildlife. Its capital, Windhoek, serves as the economic and cultural hub, blending German colonial influences with modern African vibrancy, while the country's economy thrives on mining, tourism, and agriculture despite challenges like arid conditions. With a history of gaining independence in 1990, Namibia emphasizes conservation and has one of the world's highest rates of press freedom in Africa.

Key Insights

High Unemployment Despite Robust GDP Growth

Namibia exhibits a significant economic paradox: strong GDP growth (4.443%) suggests a recovering economy, yet the unemployment rate remains extremely high at nearly 20%. This indicates that the economic growth is likely concentrated in capital-intensive sectors (like mining) that do not generate sufficient jobs to absorb the labor force, highlighting structural inequality.

Middle-Income Status with Significant Development Gaps

With a GDP per capita of $4,187.61, Namibia is classified as an upper-middle-income country. However, this wealth does not translate into universal access to basic services, as evidenced by the low national access to electricity (56.7%) and a relatively high infant mortality rate (38.4 per 1,000 live births), suggesting severe internal disparities.

High Literacy Counteracts Health Challenges

Namibia boasts a high literacy rate (87.64%), which is commendable for the region and suggests high educational attainment. However, this educational success contrasts sharply with a relatively low life expectancy (67.39 years) and high infant mortality, indicating that systemic health crises (like HIV/AIDS or inadequate infrastructure) significantly undermine human development gains.

Rapid Urbanization Approaching 50%

Namibia's urban population is currently at 49.955%, meaning the country is on the verge of becoming predominantly urbanized. This rapid shift places immense pressure on municipal services, infrastructure, and job creation in cities like Windhoek, potentially exacerbating the already high unemployment and electricity access issues.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$12.41B

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$4,187.61

GDP Growth (%)

4.44%

Inflation (%)

5.88%

Unemployment (%)

19.37%

Debt to GDP (%)

N/A%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023-10.00%-5.00%0.00%5.00%10.00%
  • GDP Growth (%)
Population Growth
Total population over time
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230750,0001,500,0002,250,0003,000,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years20.0years40.0years60.0years80.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
201420152016201720182019202020210.0%8.0%16.0%24.0%32.0%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$1,500$3,000$4,500$6,000
  • GDP Per Capita ($)

Share This Country

Local Resources
Curated links to local news, real estate, events, and official websites

Events

Travel & Tourism