Botswana’s population rose to 2.6 m people in 2025.

Neither way is good in itself. A larger population means more workers and customers, and also more demand for schools, clinics, housing and jobs. A smaller one eases that pressure and shrinks the labour force and market. The direction carries no verdict until it is set against what the economy can provide. In Jan 2025 Botswana had 2.6 million people, up from 2.5 million a year earlier, a rise of 0.04 million or 1.6%. Since 2016 the low was 2.2 million, so the latest figure is also the highest in that span.

Why it matters. With 2.6 million residents, Botswana is a small domestic market where each year's growth adds visibly to demand for water, housing and school places. Growth of 1.6% a year means the state must keep expanding services and the economy must keep creating jobs for young people entering the workforce. Firms selling at home gain customers slowly, which keeps the export market important.