Population of the Kalahari Desert: Approximately 1 Million

An estimated 1 million people live in the Kalahari Desert, spanning Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. The majority are indigenous groups—San, Tswana, Herero—who traditionally relied on herding and hunting. Increasing urbanization, tourism, mining, and agriculture are diversifying livelihoods. The region also hosts major parks (e.g., Central Kalahari Game Reserve) attracting global visitors.