What countries border Namibia?
What is the current weather in Namibia?
What is Namibia famous for?
What is the capital of Namibia?
Capital | Windhoek |
Government Type | presidential republic |
Currency | Namibia Dollar (NAD) and South Afrtican Rand (ZAR) |
Total Area |
318,259 Square Miles 824,292 Square Kilometers |
Location | Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa |
Language | English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of the population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%, indigenous languages: Oshivambo, Herero, Nama |
GDP - real growth rate | 4.8% |
GDP - per capita (PPP) | $11,300.00 (USD) |
What is the population of Namibia?
Ethnic Groups | black 87.5%, white 6%, mixed 6.5% |
Nationality Noun | Namibian(s) |
Population | 2,630,073 |
Population - note | note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected |
Population Growth Rate | 0.75% |
Population in Major Urban Areas | WINDHOEK (capital) 380,000 |
Urban Population | 38.400000 |
What type of government does Namibia have?
Executive Branch |
chief of state: Acting President Nangolo MBUMBA (since 4 February 2024); Acting Vice President Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAHNOTE (since 4 February 2024); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; President Hage GEINGOB died on 4 February 2024, and Vice President MBUMBA was sworn in to run the government until the next presidential election in November 2024 head of government: Acting President Nangolo MBUMBA (since 4 February 2024); Acting Vice President Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAHNOTE (since 4 February 2024); Prime Minister Saara KUUGONGELWA-AMADHILA (since 21 March 2015); note - the prime minister is appointed by the president to coordinate the work of the cabinet, advise the president, and is second in line of succession if the president is unable to serve; note - President Hage GEINGOB died on 4 February 2024, and the Vice President MBUMBA was sworn in to run the government until the next presidential election in November 2024 cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of the National Assembly elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 November 2019 (next to be held in November 2024) election results: 2019: Hage GEINGOB reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Hage GEINGOB (SWAPO) 56.3%, Panduleni ITULA (independent) 29.4%, McHenry VENAANI (PDM) 5.3%, other .9% 2014: Hage GEINGOB elected president in the first round; percent of vote - Hage GEINGOB (SWAPO) 86.7%, McHenry VENAANI (DTA) 5%, Hidipo HAMUTENYA (RDP) 3.4%, Asser MBAI (NUDO)1.9%, Henk MUDGE (RP) 1%, other 2% |
Suffrage | 18 years of age; universal |
Citizenship |
citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Namibia dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years |
National Holiday | Independence Day, 21 March (1990) |
Constitution |
history: adopted 9 February 1990, entered into force 21 March 1990 amendments: passage requires majority vote of the National Assembly membership and of the National Council of Parliament and assent of the president of the republic; if the National Council fails to pass an amendment, the president can call for a referendum; passage by referendum requires two-thirds majority of votes cast; amendments that detract from or repeal constitutional articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended, and the requisite majorities needed by Parliament to amend the constitution cannot be changed; amended 1998, 2010, 2014 |
Independence | 21 March 1990 (from South African mandate) |
What environmental issues does Namibia have?
Overview |
Namibia is an arid country covering more than 320,000 square miles. The Caprivi Strip juts out to the northeast to touch both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Namibia has four distinct geographic regions. The Namib Desert forms a 50- to 70-mile wide belt along the entire coastline. A semiarid and mountainous plateau, varying in altitude from 3,000 to 6,000 feet, covers the central part of the interior and includes Windhoek, the capital city. The low-lying eastern and southeastern plains are extensions of the dry Kalahari Region of Botswana and South Africa. The northern, bush-covered plains include the relatively high rainfall areas of the Kavango and the eastern Caprivi. Windhoek, the capital, has a population of 282,300 and is at an altitude of 5,600 feet. The city itself is hilly and surrounded by sparsely vegetated mountains, creating a landscape that calls to mind Arizona or New Mexico. Indeed, with its bustling downtown commercial section, good-quality roads and public services, and trim residential areas, Windhoek proper could easily pass for a small, southwestern, American city. |
Climate | Namibia’s climate is typical of a semi-desert and high plateau country, with hot days and cool nights. In mid-summer (December–February), daytime temperatures can exceed 100°F in lower elevations. In Windhoek, January average high temperatures are in the 90s. Winter (May–September) sees daytime highs of about 70°F; nights can be cold, dipping below freezing. Windhoek enjoys about 300 sunny days a year. Rains usually come from December through March, peaking in February, for a yearly average rainfall of 12–16 inches in Windhoek. The unrelenting dryness of the rest of the year makes the rains refreshing, welcome, and eagerly anticipated, turning the mountains surrounding Windhoek green for the brief summer months. |
Border Countries | Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 967 km, Zambia 233 km |
Environment - Current Issues | very limited natural fresh water resources; desertification; wildlife poaching; land degradation has led to few conservation areas |
Environment - International Agreements | party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements |
Terrain | mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east |
How big is the Namibia economy?
Economic Overview |
Namibia's Economic Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges Nestled in the southwestern corner of Africa, Namibia has vast landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a promising economic outlook. Since gaining independence from South Africa in 1990, Namibia has made significant strides in developing its economy, yet it grapples with persistent challenges. Let's delve into the factors shaping Namibia's economic landscape. Economic Structure Namibia's economy is diverse, with sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing contributing significantly to its GDP. Mining, particularly diamond and uranium extraction, remains a cornerstone of the economy, accounting for a substantial portion of export earnings and government revenue. The country is also endowed with other mineral resources, including copper, gold, and zinc, contributing to its resilience in mining. Agriculture plays a vital role in Namibia's economy, employing a large portion of the population, particularly in rural areas. Livestock farming, including cattle, goats, and sheep, is the primary agricultural activity supported by a network of communal and commercial farms. However, the sector faces challenges such as erratic rainfall patterns, land degradation, and limited access to markets and financing, hindering its full potential. Tourism is another critical sector driving Namibia's economy, thanks to its breathtaking natural landscapes, including the iconic Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, and the Skeleton Coast. The sector has shown resilience despite occasional setbacks, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and employment opportunities. Challenges Facing Namibia's Economy While Namibia boasts a diverse economic base, it grapples with several challenges that impede its growth and development. Income inequality remains a pressing issue, with a significant portion of the population living in poverty, particularly in rural areas. Addressing this disparity requires targeted policies to improve access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all Namibians. Infrastructure deficits pose another challenge to Namibia's economic development. While the country has made investments in infrastructure projects, including road networks and ports, further upgrades and expansions are needed to support economic activities across the country. Improving infrastructure enhances connectivity and facilitates trade and investment, fostering economic growth. Furthermore, Namibia faces environmental challenges, including droughts and climate change, which impact agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable development strategies that balance economic growth with environmental conservation and resilience-building measures. Opportunities for Growth Despite these challenges, Namibia remains well-positioned to capitalize on various economic growth and diversification opportunities. The country's strategic location as a gateway to southern Africa presents opportunities for trade and investment, particularly in the logistics and transportation sectors. Enhancing trade facilitation measures and infrastructure connectivity can further leverage Namibia's position as a regional trade hub. Moreover, Namibia has untapped potential in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power. Expanding renewable energy infrastructure reduces reliance on fossil fuels, creates employment opportunities, and promotes sustainable development. |
Industries | meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products; mining (diamond, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper) |
Currency Name and Code | Namibia Dollar (NAD) and South Afrtican Rand (ZAR) |
Export Partners | EU 79%, US 4% |
Import Partners | US 50%, EU 31% |
What current events are happening in Namibia?
Source: Google News
What makes Namibia a unique country to travel to?