Botswana
Country statistics · 1990–present
Botswana at a Glance
Botswana is home to 2.5 million people as of 2024, with a population that is growing very rapidly. At a GDP per capita of $10,429, it is a lower-middle-income economy — reflecting an economy in active development. Life expectancy at birth stands at 69.3 years, below the global average.
Population Trends
The total resident population stood at 2.5 million as of 2024. With a birth rate of 24.4 and a death rate of 5.7 per 1,000 people (2024), the natural growth rate stands at 18.6 per 1,000 — equivalent to roughly 47,000 additional residents each year from natural change alone.
Economy & Development
Botswana is a small economy, with a total GDP that is projected at $28 billion (2029 IMF projection). At $10,429 per person, it is classified as a lower-middle-income economy — reflecting an economy in active development. Real GDP growth is projected at 3.9% in 2029, representing solid growth.
Health & Society
Life expectancy at birth is 69.3 years (2024), below the global average. Current health expenditure per person is $490 (2023), representing limited per-capita healthcare spending. The adult literacy rate stands at 81.2% (2003), reflecting a majority-literate adult population. 57.5% of the population use the internet (2024), indicating growing but uneven digital access. Access to safe drinking water reaches 63.3% of the population (2024), representing majority access to safe drinking water, though gaps remain.