Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Africa. Despite its vast territory, the population of this southern African country is only a few million people. But even within such small numbers, Botswana is an incredibly diverse and unique mixture of cultures and ethnic groups.
According to official data, at the beginning of 2021, the population of Botswana is estimated at approximately 2.3 million people. This number is certainly small compared to other countries, but don’t forget that Botswana is also one of the least densely populated countries in the world. Experts estimate that the population density is only about 3 people per square kilometer, making Botswana an ideal place to live for those seeking space and privacy.
Interestingly, the population of Botswana is mainly represented by Bantu ethnic groups, among which the main ones are Tswana and Kalanga. Both ethnic groups have their own traditions, culture and language, making Botswana extremely culturally diverse. In addition, the country is home to a significant number of people from other African countries, as well as small numbers of Europeans and Asians, giving Botswana additional cultural richness and interest.
Population of Botswana
The country’s territory is 70% desert and semi-desert, which limits opportunities for agricultural development and leads to uneven distribution of the population.
The cities with the largest populations in Botswana include the capital Gaborone, which is the commercial and administrative center of the country. It is also the most populous city with a population of about 230 thousand people.
The main ethnic groups in Botswana are the Tswana, Kalanga, Gama and Hessarocentral group, which make up the majority of the population. Most Botswanans live in rural areas and engage in agricultural work.
Botswana is also known for its rapid population growth. Over the past 30 years, it has become one of the countries with the highest population growth rates in the world. This is due to both natural population growth and high levels of migration.
Botswana’s population, despite some problems with uneven distribution and development constraints, remains one of the fastest growing and most diverse in the Region.
Statistics
Botswana has a fairly young population, with an average age of about 26 years. Most of the population (approximately 70%) lives in rural areas, engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding. Urbanization, however, is also advancing rapidly, with many people moving to cities in search of jobs and new opportunities.
The average life expectancy in Botswana is about 66 years, which may seem low compared to some other countries. However, given that the country has one of the lowest inflation rates in the world and a fairly high level of development, this may indicate the presence of certain problems in healthcare.
Botswana is a diverse country with different ethnic groups living in it. The largest group is the Tsuan, who make up about 80% of the population. Other ethnic groups include the Kalihari, Basarakwena, Bamangwat and others. This makes Botswana an interesting, diverse place with a rich heritage and culture.
Total number of inhabitants
The majority of Botswana’s population lives in cities and urban settlements, such as the capital Gaborone. However, a significant part of the population also lives in rural areas and is engaged in agriculture.
Since the country is located in sub-Saharan Africa, climatic conditions and the availability of natural resources influence the distribution of the population. Most of the inhabitants are concentrated in more favorable areas where there are water sources and agricultural land.
Botswana is a diverse country with various ethnic groups including Batswana, Kalanga, Khoisan, Gimba and others. The country is also home to a small number of people from other African and European countries.
| Ethnic group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Batswana | 79% |
| Kalanga | eleven% |
| Khoisan | 3% |
| Gimba | 2% |
| Other | 5% |
Ethnic composition of the population
Botswana is characterized by a diversity of ethnic groups, each of which makes its own unique contribution to the culture and history of the country. According to the most recent census conducted in 2011, Botswana is home to more than 24 ethnic groups.
The largest ethnic group in Botswana is the Tswana, who make up about 79% of the country’s population. The Tswana are the largest ethnic group and are distributed throughout Botswana, although the majority live in the southern part of the country. They are known for their traditional farming skills and pastoral lifestyle.
The second largest ethnic group in Botswana is the Kalahari, who make up about 11% of the population. They are also known as Bushmen and are one of the oldest ethnic groups in the country. The Kalahari live in the desert and semi-desert regions of Botswana and largely maintain their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
In addition to the Tswana and Kalahari, Botswana is also home to ethnic groups such as the Bahodi, Batswana, Batswana, Baherero, Herero and others. Each of them has its own unique culture, traditions and language, which makes Botswana diverse and interesting in terms of the ethnic composition of the population.
The diversity of ethnic groups contributes to the richness of Botswana’s cultural heritage and creates a unique environment in which multicultural customs and traditions live side by side. This makes Botswana a unique place to explore and immerse yourself in different ethnic and cultural aspects.
Demography
Botswana, located in southern Africa, has a population of approximately 2.4 million people (as of 2021).
The demographic profile of the country is characterized by the following features:
- The average life expectancy is about 70 years.
- The sex ratio of the population is approximately even, but women make up a slight majority.
- About 71% of the population lives in cities, the bulk of which is concentrated in the capital Gaborone and other major cities such as Francistown and Molepolole.
- About 79% of the population are representatives of the Tswana ethnic linguistic group, their language is also called Tswana.
It is also worth noting that Botswana is one of the most regularly migrating countries in the world. Many Botswanans go to work in neighboring countries or in more developed countries to provide for their families.
Thus, Botswana’s demographics reflect its diversity and characteristics related to economic, social and cultural factors.
Fertility and mortality
According to statistics, the birth rate in Botswana is trending upward. In 2020, the total fertility rate was 24.6 children per 1,000 women aged 15-49 years. This indicates that the country’s population continues to actively reproduce.
However, giving birth in Botswana comes with its own challenges and risks. The country has a high maternal mortality rate, with an average of about 166 women dying for every 100,000 births. This indicator indicates an underdeveloped healthcare system and the availability of quality medical care for pregnant women and newborns.
In terms of overall mortality, Botswana also has a higher mortality rate than many other countries. In 2020, the death rate was about 8.6 people per 1,000 population. The predominant causes of death in the country are due to communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, as well as non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases.
It should be noted that the Government of Botswana is taking measures to reduce mortality and neonatal mortality. The country is implementing programs for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, as well as educational work aimed at increasing public awareness of a healthy lifestyle and the principles of hygiene.
Life expectancy
According to the latest data, life expectancy in Botswana is approximately 65 years. This figure is on par with other developing countries in Africa. However, with improved living conditions, including access to clean drinking water, adequate nutrition, education and health care, life expectancy in the country is expected to continue to rise.
It is important to note that life expectancy may vary depending on region and social status. In some more remote areas of the country, where access to health services is limited, this rate may be lower. However, the Botswana government is actively working to improve access to health services in all regions of the country.
It should be noted that life expectancy is an average statistical estimate and cannot accurately predict the individual life expectancy of each person. Many factors, such as lifestyle, genetics and access to health care, can influence an individual’s life expectancy.
Interesting Facts
- Botswana is one of the largest and least populated countries in Africa. Its territory is about 581,730 square kilometers, but the country’s population is only about 2.3 million people.
- The capital of Botswana is the city of Gaborone. It is also the country’s largest city and home to more than 10% of Botswana’s population.
- Botswana has one of the most stable economies in Africa and is one of the largest producers of gemstones, including diamonds.
- Conservation is important in Botswana, and the country is home to a fragment of the largest wildlife populations in Africa, including elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses and lions.
- Botswana also has one of the lowest levels of corruption in Africa and is one of the most stable political systems on the continent.
- Multiethnicity is one of the distinctive features of the Botswana population. The country is home to various ethnic groups including the Tswana, Kalihari, San and Bantu peoples.
- Botswana is a popular tourist destination due to its national parks and reserves, which offer the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat.
- The country is also known for its vast deserts, including the Kalahari and the Central Kalari Desert.
Cities with the largest population
Here are some of the cities with the largest population in Botswana:
- Gaborone is the capital of the country and the largest city in Botswana. About 250 thousand people live here. Gaborone is an important center of Botswana’s economy and political life.
- Francistown is the second largest city in Botswana. The city’s population is about 110 thousand people. Francistown is known for its historical heritage and role in the development of the country.
- Molepolole is the third major city in Botswana. It is home to approximately 70 thousand people. Molepolole is an important center of agriculture and trade.
- Serowe is a city located in the center of the country and has a population of about 60 thousand people. Serowe is one of the main transport hubs and provides access to different parts of Botswana.
- Momba is a small city in eastern Botswana with a population of about 30 thousand people. The city is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and nature reserves.
These cities are the main centers of life and development in Botswana, where the majority of the country’s population lives. Each has its own unique culture, attractions and contribution to the development of Botswana.