The population of Namibia has seen a substantial increase of 30.08% from 2011 to 2023, growing from 2.11 million people in 2011 to 3.02 million in 2023. This is the most significant rise in population size to date. However, a notable gender disparity exists within this growth, as the male population remains lower than the female population nationwide. Currently, males make up 48.8% of the population, with 1,474,224 individuals, while females make up 51.2%, totaling 1,548,177.
While most of the country’s regions reflect this higher female-to-male ratio, three regions stand out with more males than females: Kharas, Erongo, and Hardap. These regions are characterized by larger male populations due, in part, to employment opportunities that attract male workers from other parts of the country. Many of these men leave behind spouses and families in their home regions to seek work, often in industries such as mining and construction.
Kharas Region: 55,670 males and 54,223 females
Erongo Region: 122,322 males and 117,884 females
Hardap Region: 54,323 males and 52,357 females
Economic opportunities in these regions, especially in mining hubs and industrial sectors, are cited as major factors contributing to the male-dominant population. These industries typically require a workforce in jobs that attract men from all over Namibia, often leading to long-term separation from their families who remain in regions with fewer job opportunities.
This gender disparity reflects a trend that could have various social and economic impacts on the regions and the country as a whole, particularly in terms of family structures, regional development, and community dynamics.
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