Here's a breakdown:
* South Africa: Approximately 13.5 million people speak Afrikaans as their first language, and another 3.5 million speak it as a second language.
* Namibia: Afrikaans is a significant language, with approximately 80,000 speakers in Namibia.
* Botswana: A smaller community of Afrikaans speakers exists in Botswana, largely due to historical connections with South Africa.
It's important to note that the demographics of Afrikaans speakers are complex, with a long history of colonization and segregation. While it is sometimes associated with the white minority in South Africa, there are many people from diverse backgrounds who speak Afrikaans as their native tongue.
Here are some additional points to consider:
* Historical context: Afrikaans originated as a creole language, a blend of Dutch and various African languages, spoken by settlers in South Africa during the colonial period.
* Social and political factors: Afrikaans has been subject to political and social debate in South Africa, with some viewing it as a symbol of apartheid and others valuing it as part of their cultural identity.
* Global reach: While primarily spoken in Southern Africa, Afrikaans communities also exist in other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora.
It's always best to approach discussions about language and culture with sensitivity and understanding, recognizing the complex historical and social factors that contribute to language use and identity.