World ? Africa ? Namibia

Namibia: Introduction

Namibia is not as well known as other African countries. However, it is diamond in the rough; full of wildlife, high dunes, savannah, rugged mountains, and game viewing. Namibia is home to some of the finest wildlife refuges and national reserves in Africa. You’ll see ostriches, flamingoes, lion, elephant, cheeta and the bushman cultures. You can also see Germany’s influence throughout the well-maintained roads and colonial era towns. Namibia has productive mining, fishing and tourism industries. Located in southwest Africa, Namibia is a largely arid country sharing borders with Angola to the north, Botswana to its the east, South Africa to the south and, in the Caprivi Strip in its northeast, with Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Quick Facts

  • People
    • Nationality: Noun and adjective--Namibian(s).
    • Population (2008, projected): 2.1 million.
    • Average annual growth rate (2001 est.): 2.6%. The population growth rate is depressed by an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate estimated to be 15.3%.
    • Ethnic groups: About 50% of the population belong to Ovambo ethnic group, and 9% to the Kavango ethnic group. Other ethnic groups are: Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2%, and Tswana 0.5%.
    • Religions: Predominantly Christian; also indigenous beliefs.
    • Languages: English (official); Oshivambo, Afrikaans, German, Herero, Nama/Damara, other indigenous languages.
    • Education: Years compulsory--to age 16. Attendance (2001)--82%. Adult literacy rate (2005)--85%.
      Work force (2004): 493,448.
  • Government
    • Type: Republic.
    • Independence: March 21, 1990.
    • Branches: Executive--president (elected for 5-year term), prime minister. Legislative--bicameral Parliament: National Assembly and National Council. Judicial--Supreme Court, the High Court, and lower courts.
    • Subdivisions: 13 administrative regions.
    • Major political parties: South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA), United Democratic Front of Namibia (UDF), Congress of Democrats (COD), Republican Party (RP), National Unity Democratic Organization (NUDO), Monitor Action Group (MAG).
      Suffrage: Universal adult.
  • Economy
    • GDP (2007): $6.7497 billion.
    • Annual growth rate (2008): 2.8%. (Bank of Namibia)
    • Per capita GNI (2007): $3,360.
    • Inflation rate (2008): 11.6%. (Bank of Namibia)
    • Natural resources: Diamonds, uranium, zinc, gold, copper, lead, tin, fluorspar, salt, fisheries, and wildlife.
    • Agriculture (9.5% of GDP, 2007): Products--livestock and meat products, crop farming and forestry, fish and fish products.
    • Mining (12.4% of GDP, 2007): Gem-quality diamonds, uranium, zinc, copper, other.
    • Trade: Exports (2007)--$4.36 billion: diamonds, uranium, zinc, copper, lead, beef, cattle, fish, karakul pelts, grapes. Imports (2007)--$4.56 billion: foodstuffs, construction material, manufactured goods. Major partners--South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Germany, U.K., U.S.

History

Bushmen (San) were the first to inhabit Namibia. They were nomadic hunter-gatherers and lived in small groups. Around 2,000 years ago, the Khoi-Khoi joined the San and both groups were eventually displaced when Bantu-speakers arrived. Namibia was colonized by the Germans in the 19th century. During their rule, the Germans killed two-thirds of the Herero people’s population because they revolted against the German rule. Germany apologized for the mass genocide in 2004.

After World War I, Namibia was entrusted to South Africa (then Southwest Africa) who ruled until the mid-1980s. South Africa enforced apartheid which confined indigenous people to reserves. Fertile land was given to white settlers. In 1966, South-West Africa’s People’s Organization (SWAPO) started a war for independence. With the help of the United Nations, South Africa agreed to end its rule in Namibia in 1989. The country became independent in 1990. Namibia still depends on South Africa for some economics, such as food, but fairly stable thanks to its mining and fishing industries.

Economy

The Namibian economy has a modern market sector, which produces most of the country's wealth, and a traditional subsistence sector. Namibia's gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is relatively high among developing countries but obscures one of the most unequal income distributions on the African continent. Although the majority of the population depends on subsistence agriculture and herding, Namibia has more than 200,000 skilled workers, as well as a small, well-trained professional and managerial class. The country's sophisticated formal economy is based on capital-intensive industry and farming. However, Namibia's economy is heavily dependent on the earnings generated from primary commodity exports in a few vital sectors, including minerals, livestock, and fish. Furthermore, the Namibian economy remains integrated with the economy of South Africa, as the bulk of Namibia's imports originate there. Since independence, the Namibian Government has pursued free-market economic principles designed to promote commercial development and job creation to bring disadvantaged Namibians into the economic mainstream. To facilitate this goal, the government has actively courted donor assistance and foreign investment. The liberal Foreign Investment Act of 1990 provides for freedom from nationalization, freedom to remit capital and profits, currency convertibility, and a process for settling disputes equitably.

Tourism

Tourism is a rapidly growing sector of the Namibian economy and a significant generator of employment. It is the third-largest source of foreign exchange after mining and fisheries. Although the majority of Namibia's international visitors originate in the region, other international travelers are increasingly attracted by the country's unique mix of political stability, cultural diversity, and geographic beauty. Tourism in Namibia has had a positive impact on resource conservation and rural development. As of 2007, there were 50 communal conservancies established across the country, resulting in enhanced land management while providing tens of thousands of rural Namibians with much needed income.

Namibia remains something of a hidden treasure for those in search of authentic Africa. The nation is peaceful and stable and enjoys an economic prosperity relative to many of its neighbors. Essentially a desert country, Namibia landscapes are varied. The Namib Desert with high dunes contrasts sharply with the central plateau of savannah and rugged mountains. The Etosha National Park, the third largest in Africa, is home to a series of waterholes providing spectacular game viewing. Namibia is a country with well developed national parks with excellent opportunities for photography.

  • In Windhoek, African crafts are readily available and curios and the city's fine restaurants serve up excellent game meats.
  • Etosha National Park is contained in a huge salt pan surrounded by over 8,500 square miles of grasslands. Elephants, zebras, giraffes, the great cats, wildebeest and antelopes are all visible to travelers.
  • Waterberg Plateau Park, has a number of hiking trails with guides available.
  • Camping is available at Sesriem. Here, the Tsauchab River runs through a deep gorge in the plain.
  • Climb the mountainously high sand dunes at nearby Sossusvlei.
  • Hike the Fish River Canyon but only if you are reasonably fit. Guided tours are available.
  • On the coast is the resort of Swakopmund, surrounded by a desert.
  • Damaraland is one of the last refuges of the endangered black rhino.
  • The Caprivi Strip is Africa's best birding destination in the estimation of many.

Planning your visit

  • Passport/Visa Requirements: A valid passport is required. European, U.S. Canadian and South African citizens do not need a visa. People of other nationalities can purchase visas upon arrival.
  • Population: 2,055,080
  • Languages: English (official), Afrikaans, German, Herero, Owambo
  • Predominant Religions: Animist, Christian (Lutheran)
  • Time Zone: 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+1 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is from the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April.
  • Voltage Requirements: 220 volts
  • Telephone Codes: 264, country code, 61 (Windhoek city code), 641 (Swakopmund city code).

Climate

It rains the least from March to October and is a great time for viewing wildlife. It is warm during the day and cools off at night. January and February are hot, with day temperatures above 104F/40C at times.

Money

  • Currency: Namibia dollar (N$)
  • Exchange leftover money before leaving Namibia as it can be difficult to get rid of otherwise.
  • Banking Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-3:30 pm, Saturday 8:30-11 am
  • Taxes: a value-added tax is included in most prices.
  • Tipping: 10% for waiters and taxi drivers

 

Safety

  • Namibia has a relatively low crime rate, but muggings do occur. Other safety issues to be aware of are:
  • Avoid driving at night because wildlife and livestock can be hazardous.
  • Stay on well-travelled routes along the Caprivi Strip, along the Angola border. After Angola’s civil war, the area became dangerous and land mines are still in place.

Other tips:

  • Always carry ID with you, including a photocopy of your passport.
  • Namibia is very dusty, so protect your camera and other belongings.
  • Take a water supply with you and a full tank of gas—everywhere.
  • Driving is on the left side of the road.

 

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