Botswana Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Botswana's urban population was 67.57% in 2025, ranked 98th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Botswana's urban population stood at 67.57% in 2025, a rise of +0.10% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 67.57% by 2025. Botswana ranked 98th globally.
Botswana's urban population has experienced a significant transformation over the past 66 years, with the proportion of urban inhabitants rising from 3.00% in 1960 to 67.57% in 2025. This growth rate is comparable to that of New Caledonia, which ranked higher with 68.10% of its population in urban areas. Botswana's urbanization pace accelerated in the latter half of the 20th century, driven by economic development, particularly in the mining sector. As the country's economy continued to grow, more people moved to urban areas in search of better job opportunities and improved living standards. This shift has contributed to Botswana's status as a middle-income country. Notably, the proportion of urban population in Botswana is expected to continue rising in the coming years, driven by ongoing economic growth and urbanization, though a decline in the global mining industry could potentially alter this trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 68.07% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 67.82% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 67.57% | - | - |
| 2025 | 67.57% | +0.10% | #98 |
| 2024 | 67.46% | +0.44% | #119 |
| 2023 | 67.02% | +0.43% | #119 |
| 2022 | 66.59% | +0.07% | #118 |
| 2021 | 66.52% | +0.07% | #118 |
| 2020 | 66.45% | +0.12% | #119 |
| 2019 | 66.33% | +0.17% | #119 |
| 2018 | 66.16% | +0.21% | #120 |
| 2017 | 65.95% | +0.25% | #119 |
| 2016 | 65.69% | +0.28% | #119 |
| 2015 | 65.41% | +0.31% | #118 |
| 2014 | 65.10% | +0.34% | #118 |
| 2013 | 64.76% | +0.36% | #120 |
| 2012 | 64.40% | +0.38% | #119 |
| 2011 | 64.02% | +0.52% | #119 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Botswana matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Botswana's urban population was 67.57% in 2025. Ranked 98th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Botswana's urban population peaked at 67.57% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in Botswana was 3.00% in 1960.
Botswana ranks 98th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Botswana's urban population is projected to reach 67.57% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Botswana in 2025 was 67.57%. This ranks 98th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_botswana_urban-population,
title = {Botswana Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/botswana/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}