Namibia is the emptiest country in Africa by population density. It covers about 825,000 square kilometres, only slightly smaller than Nigeria.
Yet, it has just around 2.5 to 3 million people, and Nigeria has over 240 million people. That contrast alone explains why Namibia often feels vast, open, and quiet.
Namibia is larger than 39 African countries combined, but its population could fit into a single large African city. 
It also has some of the best roads on the continent and wildlife, but still, settlements remain far apart.
It is said that you can travel for an hour without meeting another car. On Sundays, some towns feel like ghost towns, and you might even walk into a bar and realise you are the only customer.
This is not because people avoid the country; it is because very few people live there.
Why is this so?
Namibian Genocide
One major historical factor behind Namibia’s small population is the genocide committed by German colonial forces between 1904 and 1908.
During this period, Germany ruled the territory then known as German Southwest Africa.
German settlers seized large amounts of land and cattle from indigenous communities, especially the Herero and Nama people. In response, the Herero and Nama rebelled against colonial rule.
The German military answered with extreme violence, and General Lothar von Trotha issued an extermination order in 1904.
He declared that every Herero found within German-controlled territory, armed or unarmed, would be killed. A similar policy later targeted the Nama people.
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The order drove thousands of Herero and Nama into the Omaheke Desert, and the German forces blocked access to water sources and guarded wells, leaving people to die from thirst and starvation.
Survivors were captured and placed in concentration camps, such as the camp at Shark Island. There, many died from disease, exhaustion, malnutrition, and harsh conditions.
Some victims were also subjected to forced labour and medical experiments.
Historians estimate that up to 80% of the Herero population and about 50% of the Nama population were killed. In total, tens of thousands died.
Recently, Germany officially recognised these events as genocide and has asked for forgiveness, acknowledging the crimes committed during its colonial rule.
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Namibia’s Geography and Climate
The genocide was catastrophic, but it took place over a hundred years ago. Today, other factors matter more in explaining Namibia’s low population.
The biggest factor is geography and climate.
Large parts of Namibia are covered by the Namib and Kalahari deserts, and much of the country is dry, with very low and unreliable rainfall.
Water is scarce, and farming is difficult across wide areas.
Because the land cannot easily support large populations, people live far apart. Even without the genocide, Namibia would still struggle to sustain dense settlement due to its harsh environment.
The genocide wiped out a huge part of Namibia’s population and left lasting social and economic damage. However, the country’s extreme emptiness comes mainly from its environment.
In short, history explains the loss of people, but the land explains the space. Namibia feels empty because its vast, dry landscape can only support a few people.
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