Botswana · Africa
How many people die in Botswana every day?
In Botswana, about 38 people die every day, roughly one death every 38 minutes. That is about 14,000 deaths a year, less than 0.1% of everyone who dies worldwide and the 145th highest total of 194 countries. Life expectancy is 61.1 years and the leading cause of death is hiv/aids. See every death on earth as it happens on the live death counter.
Deaths per day
38
Deaths per year
14,000
Life expectancy
61.1 years
Population
2,630,296
Death rate
5.3 per 1,000
Top cause of death
HIV/AIDS
Compared to the World Average
Life expectancy
Botswana
61.1
World avg
72.8
-11.7 yrs
Death rate (per 1,000)
Botswana
5.3
World avg
7.7
Deaths in Botswana by time period
| Per hour | 1.6 |
| Per day | 38 |
| Per week | 268 |
| Per month | 1,167 |
| Per year | 14,000 |
What people die of in Botswana
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates, the single biggest cause of death in Botswana in 2023 was HIV/AIDS, which accounted for 24.1% of all deaths, about 11 a day. It was followed by pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections and stroke.
Deaths from preterm birth complications have more than doubled since 2000, from about 262 to 559 a year. Deaths from HIV/AIDS have fallen by 73% since 2000, from about 14,362 to 3,845 a year.
| # | Cause | Deaths (2023) | Per day | Share | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HIV/AIDS | 3,845 | 11 | 24.1% | -73% |
| 2 | Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections | 1,291 | 3.5 | 8.1% | +37% |
| 3 | Stroke | 761 | 2.1 | 4.8% | -1% |
| 4 | Heart disease (ischaemic) | 721 | 2.0 | 4.5% | +46% |
| 5 | Diabetes | 682 | 1.9 | 4.3% | +44% |
| 6 | Tuberculosis | 644 | 1.8 | 4% | -7% |
| 7 | Preterm birth complications | 559 | 1.5 | 3.5% | +113% |
| 8 | COPD | 399 | 1.1 | 2.5% | +17% |
| 9 | Hypertensive heart disease | 393 | 1.1 | 2.5% | +47% |
| 10 | Diarrhoeal diseases | 371 | 1.0 | 2.3% | -26% |
Deaths in Botswana since 2000
WHO estimates that about 15,928 people died in Botswana in 2023, 32% fewer than in 2000. Totals rise as populations grow and age, even when health improves. WHO’s modelled estimates can differ from the headline figures above, which come from a different source.
| 2000 | 23,482 deaths |
| 2010 | 19,316 deaths |
| 2019 | 15,324 deaths |
| 2023 | 15,928 deaths |
Life expectancy in Botswana since 1950
A baby born in Botswana in 1950 could expect to live about 46.2 years. By 2023 that had risen to 69.2, a gain of 23.0 years. See how this compares worldwide on our life expectancy by country page.
| 1950 | 46.2 years |
| 1980 | 62.5 years |
| 2000 | 52.3 years |
| 2010 | 59.1 years |
| 2019 | 67.2 years |
| 2023 | 69.2 years |
Botswana compared with similar countries in Africa
Among the 50 countries in Africa on this site, Botswana ranks 30th for life expectancy. Here is how it compares with the countries closest to it in population.
| Country | Deaths per day | Life expectancy | Top cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botswana | 38 | 61.1 | HIV/AIDS |
| Namibia | 49 | 59.3 | HIV/AIDS |
| Gambia | 52 | 62.6 | Malaria |
| Gabon | 41 | 66.5 | Cardiovascular disease |
| Lesotho | 66 | 50.7 | HIV/AIDS |
| Guinea-Bissau | 52 | 59.4 | Malaria |
Sources: WHO Global Health Estimates 2023 (deaths by cause and totals); UN World Population Prospects via Our World in Data (life expectancy). Figures are modelled estimates and are rounded.
Frequently asked questions
How many people die in Botswana every day?
In Botswana, about 38 people die every day, or roughly one death every 38 minutes. That adds up to about 14,000 deaths a year, less than 0.1% of all deaths worldwide.
What is the leading cause of death in Botswana?
HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in Botswana. It is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, and most deaths from it could be avoided with prevention and treatment. Counting single causes, WHO's estimates put HIV/AIDS first in 2023, with 24.1% of deaths.
What is the life expectancy in Botswana?
Life expectancy at birth in Botswana is 61.1 years, 11.7 years below the world average of 72.8. That ranks 174th of 194 countries.
Is the death rate in Botswana high?
Botswana records about 5.3 deaths per 1,000 people each year, below the world average of 7.7. Crude death rates are higher in countries with older populations, so a high rate does not always mean poor health care.