Hardap is one of the fourteen regions of Namibia, situated in the southern part of the country. Its capital is Mariental, which serves as the administrative center for the area. The region stretches the entire width of Namibia, extending from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the nation's eastern national border. This vast geographical span places it in a unique position within the country's regional structure.

The region has been governed by a series of appointed officials since its establishment as an administrative unit. Katrina Hanse-Himarwa served as governor from 2004 to 2015, followed by Esme Sophia Isaack until 2020. Salomon April held the position from 2020 to 2025, with Riaan Charles McNab taking office in 2025. These administrative changes reflect the ongoing political management of the territory over recent decades.

Hardap contains the municipality of Mariental and the towns of Rehoboth and Aranos. It also includes self-governed villages such as Gibeon, Gochas, Kalkrand, Stampriet, and Maltahöhe. The Hardap Dam is a notable feature located within the region. Geographically, it borders the Kgalagadi District of Botswana to the northeast and the Northern Cape Province of South Africa to the southeast, alongside several other Namibian regions.

The region comprises eight electoral constituencies and has seen significant political shifts over time. In the 2020 regional election, the Landless People's Movement became the strongest party, obtaining forty-five percent of the votes. Historically, SWAPO was the dominant force, winning all six constituencies in 2004 and seven of eight in 2015. The area also has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its diverse population.

According to the Namibia 2023 Population and Housing Census, Hardap had a population of 106,680. Earlier data from 2011 recorded a population of 79,507. The region has good infrastructure with well-developed road networks and fifty-five schools. With an area of 109,651 square kilometers, the population density is low, reflecting the arid landscape that characterizes much of southern Namibia.