Politics

2023 census shows Namibia’s population now over three million

Published

10 months ago

March 14, 2024

According to recent data, Namibia’s population is now 3,022,401, as the Namibia Statistics Agency revealed the eagerly awaited preliminary results of the 2023 census in the nation’s capital on Thursday.

In a statement released on the organization’s website on Thursday, Statistician-General Alex Shimuafeni, noted that between the 2011 and 2023 censuses, there was a noteworthy 65.5% increase in the population living in urban areas.

On the other hand, during the same period, the population in rural areas increased by a more moderate 26.3%. The fourth population survey since Namibia’s independence in 1990 is being carried out with this census. It is notable for being the nation’s first digital census to use spatial technology.

The first comprehensive census, which counted 1.4 million people, was conducted in 1991. The second census, which was conducted in 2001, came next, with 1.8 million people counted. There were 2.1 million people living there in 2011, according to the results of the most recent census.

“The population has grown almost twofold since the first post-independence census was conducted in 1991.

“Females make up a greater proportion of the population in the 2023 PHC, as has been the trend for the past four censuses.

“Average household size, which has been on the decline since 1991, is 3.8 persons per household,” the statement read.

According to The New Era, Namibia’s daily national newspaper, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila emphasized the insightful information in the report during its release. She emphasized how this data can direct the creation of strategic plans, initiatives, and resource distribution.

“Effective governance hinges on decisions rooted in empirical evidence. The census data empowers us to identify priority areas, understand demographic dynamics, and tailor our policies to address the unique needs of various segments of our population.

Statistics provide us with a tool to pursue social justice, ensuring that no one is left out. By so doing, we pave the way for a Namibia where every citizen, regardless of location or circumstance, has access to the opportunities needed to thrive,” she observed.

On March 21, 1990, Namibia declared its independence from South Africa. Namibia, at 824,292 km2 (318,261 sq mi), is the 34th largest country in the world despite its immense size. Its population density is also among the lowest in Africa.

Related Topics:Featured Namibia Namibia Statistics Agency

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Politics

Mozambique’s top court affirms governing party’s victory in recent election

Published

1 day ago

December 26, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

The highest court in Mozambique affirmed Monday that the incumbent Frelimo party won the October election, sparking widespread demonstrations from opposition parties who claim the vote was manipulated.

Fears of fresh bloodshed have been raised in the nation already shaken by weeks of fatal protests after Mozambique’s top electoral court mostly confirmed the results of the country’s contentious October elections, reinforcing the Frelimo party’s decades-long hold on power.

The final decision on the election process rests with the Constitutional Council. Mozambique, a nation of over 35 million people in Southern Africa that Frelimo has ruled since 1975, is expected to see more protests in response to its judgement.

Mozambique operates a framework of a semi-presidential representative democratic republic in a multi-party system. The president of Mozambique serves as both the head of state and the head of government.

The government exercises executive power. The administration and the Assembly of the Republic have the authority to enact laws.

Politics

Alliance of Sahel States opposes ECOWAS disengagement schedule

Published

1 day ago

December 26, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) withdrawal timeline has been rejected by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which is made up of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The AES claims that the ECOWAS is attempting to destabilise their newly formed organisation.

During a meeting last week in Abuja, Nigeria, the regional organisation announced a six-month withdrawal period to give the three nations time to change their minds after their official departure date at the end of January 2025.

However, this decision is “nothing more than yet another attempt by the French and its auxiliaries to continue planning and carrying out destabilising actions against the AES,” according to the heads of state of the AES.

“This unilateral decision is not binding on the ESA countries,” the statement continues. Before the conference, they stated that their choice to leave the organisation was “irreversible.”

According to the president of the Ecowas Commission, this will be a “transition period” that ends on “July 29, 2025” to “keep the doors of Ecowas open.”

The three nations accused the bloc of neglecting to assist them in resolving their domestic security challenges and of imposing “inhumane and irresponsible” sanctions related to the coup.

The three nations that were involved in the coup have mostly rejected ECOWAS’ attempts to undo their withdrawal. They are creating their alliance and have begun thinking about how to issue travel passports independently of ECOWAS.

It is anticipated that they will finish giving their one-year notice of departure in January.

Visa-free travel to other ECOWAS members is a significant perk of membership, and it is unclear how this would alter after the three nations exit the group.