Namibia
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Its German heritage is a fact that distinguishes Namibia amongst it's neighbours. Rich mineral wealth, low population density and a powerful tourism sector is propelling Namibia to the top in Africa. Accessible and
popular attractions are ensuring Namibia's growth.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Area: 824,290sq km (15th in Africa)
Capital: Windhoek
Largest towns: Windhoek, Keetmanshoop, Tsumeb, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay
Population: 2.1 million
Official language: English
Other languages: German, Afrikaans, Ovambo, Herero, Nama
Currency: Namibian Dollar
Head of state: President Hifikepunye Pohamba
Life expectancy: 44 years
Literacy: 84%
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Namib Desert, Fish River Canyon, Epupa Falls, Caprivi, Etosha, Skeleton Coast, Spitzkoppe, Waterberg, Moon Landscapes, Sossusvlei, Himba
NATURAL RESOURCES
Diamonds, Precious Stones, Metals and Minerals, Uranium, Salt
MAIN CULTURES
European (English, Afrikaans, German), Herero, Himba, Kavango, Ovambo, Nama and Damara
RELIGIONS
Christian and ZCC
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Namib Desert - follows the 1600km Atlantic coastal belt - one of the driest places on earth- hyper-arid desert. Inland - a deeply incised escarpment rises to an altitude of 2000m before giving way to the mid-altitude plateau that merges with the Kalahari Desert in Botswana.
Highest mountain in Namibia - Brandberg (2573m) in the northwest. Large rivers - Fish River, Orange River, Cunene, Kavango, Linyati and Zambezi. No substantial lakes. Biggest body of water - Hardap dam near
Mariental. Climate hot and dry with much colder night temperatures.
Summer from December to March- most rainfall, average below 250mm. Frequent overnight mist along the coast until morning.
Namibia is bordered by Angola, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia. Natural hazard is drought. They have limited fresh water supplies
HISTORY
Thinly populated because of inhospitable climate. Still inhabited by Khoi-san -10% of population.
First European - Diogo Cao (Portuguese) - landed in 1496 - erected cross at Cape Cross.
German South West Africa borders declared in 1890's.
SA captured German South West Africa during WW1 and took over its governance in 1921 as mandate.
1990 Gained independence - Sam Nujoma President until 1994
CRIME AND SAFETY
Pretty safe throughout the country - Windhoek is dangerous if not careful.
MONEY
One to one with the Rand (it is possible to change N$ to Rand almost anywhere)
Banking hours are 08:00 - 13:00 Monday to Saturday and 14:30 - 17:00 Monday to Friday.
POST AND TELEPHONE
Good postal system from WDK. Good phone system.
ECONOMY
G.D.P. Composition: Agriculture 12%, Industry 25%, Services 63%
Exports partners are UK, South Africa, Spain, France, Japan. Inflation is 9.1%
Mining accounts for 20% of Gross National Product.
Half the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood.
INTERESTING FACTS
Namibia was the first country in the world to incorporate protection of the environment into its constitution. In 1890 the Caprivi Strip was given to the German Colonial Government by Great Britain in exchange for the island of Zanzibar. This casual swapping of land was designed to allow Germany to link up it's territories in Southern Africa, this never happened but it did bring Namibia into physical contact with the Zambezi river.
The strip is named after Chancellor Leo Von Caprivi, who negotiated the Zanzibar treaty with Great Britain.
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Botswana Ethiopia Kenya Malawi Mozambique Namibia South Africa Swaziland Tanzania Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe
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