Iipumbu Sakaria

The preliminary census results for the 2023 population and housing census will be released on 13 March 2024. It is important to note that these will be preliminary results whilst we wait for the main census report to come out later during the year. 

Last year, the Namibian nation took part in the 2023 population and housing census. The aim of a population and housing census is to assess the changes in population and household structures over specific periods of time. 

The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) would like to thank the entire nation and all institutions which played their rightful part to ensure that everybody who found themselves in Namibia during a specific reference time have been counted. It was a massive exercise, and we are glad that the fieldwork part is complete and went smoothly. 

Once again, thank you all for your cooperation. 

The next question is when the results will be out. The preliminary census results, as alluded to before, will be released on 13 March 2024. 

The preliminary census results will comprise main indicators on population size and growth, as well as indicators on household. To be specific, the population size will be availed, and of course comparisons can be taken between different census eras. We will also have an indicator of total males and total females for both urban and rural areas. 

The preliminary results will include population dynamics per region, analyse male and female trends per region, and do the same for urban and rural areas. 

We are aware that Namibia is one of the least densely populated areas in the world, and the updated population figures will provide new population density figures for the country. 

The population for the preliminary census report will be presented based on urban localities, and will also by divided into sex. It is important to know and understand how many people live in which towns in order to plan and coordinate development properly. The results will likewise portray population trends in households as well as in institutions and special population groups. 

The preliminary results will provide statistics on the total number of households, the average household size, average household size by region, as well as statistics on concentration of residential structures. Lastly, the results will highlight the population trends by constituency, as well as the figures for both males and females in all constituencies. 

The preliminary results aim to bring forth demographic and household data for planning, whilst the main census aims to bring forth complete information on the census exercise. 

The preliminary report will present the final results on population size and sex ratio, population density and structures, broken down to a regional level, while the Basic Report will contain additional statistics generated from all different modules of the 2023 PHC questionnaires. 

The NSA continues with the provision of data which is relevant, accurate and on time in order to assist the process of planning for development. Keep your eyes on the upcoming statistical articles during the year, which will aim to bring statistics to you in a manner easily understandable. 

As we await the day of release, estimate the figure, and see how close your estimates are with the actual figures. 

*Iipumbu Sakaria is the corporate communications manager at the Namibia Statistics Agency.