Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Namibia

Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia, is a sovereign state in southwestern Africa bordered by Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, South Africa to the south and southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. With a land area of 825,615 square kilometers, it ranks as the world's 34th-largest country and features one of the lowest population densities globally at approximately 2.8 million people. The capital and largest city is Windhoek, situated in the north-central part of the country. Namibia achieved independence from South African rule on 21 March 1990, after a 24-year armed struggle initiated in 1966 by the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), which has governed as the dominant party since. The country's defining geography includes the ancient Namib Desert along its Atlantic coast, one of the oldest and driest deserts on Earth, spanning much of the western region and supporting unique desert-adapted wildlife such as oryx antelope and specialized elephants that derive moisture from food sources rather than surface water. Inland, semi-arid savannas and the Kalahari Desert basin dominate, contributing to an arid climate with limited rainfall averaging under 250 millimeters annually in many areas. Namibia's economy relies heavily on mining, which accounts for over 10 percent of GDP and a majority of export earnings, driven by gem-quality diamonds, uranium—the source of about 10 percent of global supply—and base metals, alongside emerging sectors in tourism, fishing, and agriculture constrained by water scarcity. Classified as upper-middle-income with a nominal GDP per capita of around $4,470 in 2024, it exhibits extreme income inequality, with a Gini coefficient among the world's highest, rooted in historical land and resource disparities persisting post-independence.

History

Etymology

The name Namibia derives from the Desert, a vast arid region spanning the country's Atlantic coastline and recognized as one of the oldest deserts on , estimated to be at least 55 million years old. The root word originates from the (also known as Nama) language spoken by indigenous pastoralist groups in the region, where it signifies "vast place" or "vastness," reflecting the desert's immense, open expanse. The contemporary country name emerged in the mid-1960s amid the independence movement against South African administration of the territory, then officially termed . Mburumba Kerina, a Herero activist and early member who had studied abroad, proposed "Republic of " and the term "Namibianism" to evoke tied to the land's rather than colonial labels; this evolved into Namibia through the addition of the Latin-derived -ia, denoting a defined territory, akin to formations like or . adopted the name in its campaigns, and it received endorsement in resolutions pressing for , supplanting prior designations like (Deutsch-Südwestafrika) from 1884 to 1915. The term Namibians for inhabitants followed suit, formalizing a post-colonial independent of ethnic or connotations.

Pre-colonial societies

The earliest known inhabitants of the region now comprising Namibia were the peoples, indigenous hunter-gatherers whose presence dates back at least 20,000 years, as evidenced by genetic and archaeological records indicating their long-term adaptation to arid environments through foraging, small-game hunting, and rudimentary tools. These nomadic groups, often occupying central and northern areas including the Kalahari fringes, produced extensive , with engravings in sites like dated between 2,000 and 6,000 years old, depicting animals, human figures, and hunting scenes that reflect a centered on trance-induced spiritual experiences and environmental tracking skills. The in southern Namibia yields some of the continent's oldest dated rock paintings, associated with San cultural practices from approximately 27,000 to 25,000 years , underscoring their continuity as southern Africa's most ancient surviving population. Around 2,000 years ago, Khoikhoi pastoralists, including the Nama subgroup, migrated into southern and coastal Namibia from the north and east, introducing herding of sheep, goats, and later , which marked a shift from pure economies to semi-nomadic stock-keeping integrated with seasonal . These societies, distinguished by click languages and clan-based structures, established territories in the arid south, relying on as measures of wealth and engaging in trade networks for iron tools and ostrich eggshells, while maintaining social organization through chiefs who mediated disputes over grazing lands. The Damara, another early group possibly contemporaneous with or predating the Khoikhoi in central Namibia, exhibited mixed and herder traits, with linguistic evidence linking them to non-Bantu substrates, though their precise origins remain debated due to limited pre-contact archaeological stratification. From the late first millennium AD, Bantu-speaking migrations brought agro- groups into northern and eastern Namibia, with the Ovambo arriving around the 14th–15th centuries to dominate the Cuvelai Basin through millet farming, cattle herding, and matrilineal kingdoms featuring centralized chiefs who controlled water-dependent floodplains for . The Herero, a Bantu group, expanded into central Namibia by the , emphasizing large-scale cattle adapted to semi-arid plateaus, with patrilineal clans organizing around kraals and rituals tied to symbolism, often clashing with San and Khoikhoi over resources in overlapping territories. These Bantu societies introduced ironworking and denser settlements compared to earlier foragers, fostering trade in and but also intergroup raids, as oral traditions and sparse archaeological finds of iron slag attest, without forming expansive states prior to contact. Pre-colonial Namibia thus comprised diverse, kin-based polities with economies scaled to ecological niches—ranging from sparse San bands to Ovambo chiefdoms—sustained by low-density populations estimated under 100,000 total by the , per extrapolations from ethnographic analogies and site densities.

German colonial period (1884–1915)

In 1883, German merchant Franz Adolf Lüderitz established a trading station at Angra Pequena on the southwestern coast, which he renamed Lüderitzbucht, acquiring land from local Nama chiefs through treaties. On 24 April 1884, Lüderitz placed the territory under the protection of the , prompting Chancellor to formally declare a to preempt rival European claims during the . Initial German presence was limited, with a small and administrative at Otjimbingwe by 1885, but settlement accelerated after 1890 when the territory was annexed as a , attracting around 2,000-3,000 European settlers by 1900 focused on ranching and rudimentary mining. The colonial administration, initially under Heinrich Göring (1885–1890) and later Theodor Leutwein (1894–1905), emphasized through alliances with Herero and Nama leaders, while expanding infrastructure like railways from inland to facilitate cattle exports and copper mining. Economic activity centered on , with German settlers seizing prime grazing lands, leading to indebtedness and land loss for indigenous groups; by 1903, the colony exported over 100,000 cattle annually but remained financially burdensome to due to high military and rail costs exceeding revenues. Tensions escalated from land expropriations and labor demands, culminating in the Herero uprising on 12 January 1904 under Chief , who mobilized 5,000-6,000 warriors to attack German farms, killing over 100 settlers. German forces under General responded with scorched-earth tactics, defeating the Herero at Waterberg on 11 August 1904 and issuing an extermination order on 2 October 1904, driving survivors into the Omaheke desert where thousands perished from thirst; an estimated 50,000-80,000 Herero (60-80% of the population) died from combat, starvation, disease, and forced labor in camps like Shark Island until the order's revocation in 1905. The Nama, led by Hendrik Witbooi, launched their revolt in October 1904, employing ; German reprisals, including concentration camps with mortality rates exceeding 40%, reduced the Nama population from about 20,000 to 10,000 by 1908. Uprisings suppressed by 1907 at a cost of 15,000 German troops and 675 million marks, the conflicts halved the indigenous population to under 100,000 while boosting settler numbers to 14,800 by 1913, entrenching policies. Colonial rule ended in 1915 when South African forces, allied with Britain in , captured key towns including in May, leading to German capitulation.

South African mandate (1915–1990)

South African forces invaded German South West Africa on 14 September 1914, advancing from the south under General Louis Botha, and secured the surrender of German troops on 9 July 1915 after occupying key areas including Windhoek and Swakopmund. Following the Treaty of Versailles, the League of Nations granted South Africa a Class C mandate over the territory on 17 September 1920, classifying it as suitable for incorporation into the mandatory power's territory with full administrative powers but obligations to promote welfare and suppress abuses. Under the mandate, South Africa established the South West Africa Administration in 1922, applying its own laws progressively and treating the territory as a fifth , with white settlers—primarily and —dominant in farming and mining sectors. Land policies allocated prime agricultural areas to white farmers, displacing indigenous groups like the Herero and Nama, while Black Namibians were restricted to reserves comprising about 40% of the land by the , often arid and overcrowded. The economy grew through diamond mining starting in 1920 near , uranium production from 1950s at Rössing mine, and beef exports, but relied on a contract labor system enforced via the South West Africa Native Labour Association (SWANLA), migrant workers from northern facing low wages, poor conditions, and family separation. From the 1940s, extended apartheid legislation to the territory, including the equivalents and pass laws, culminating in the 1968 Odendaal Commission recommendations for ethnic homelands (Bantustans) like and Kavangoland, granted limited self-governance but no real autonomy, aiming to segregate races and reserve skilled jobs for whites. The ruled in 1950 and 1956 that South Africa's mandate obligations persisted post-League , but South Africa refused UN trusteeship transfer after 1946, leading to UN Resolution 2145 in 1966 terminating the and renaming the territory Namibia in 1968. South Africa maintained control amid growing resistance, deploying the from the 1960s to counter insurgents in the north, with military spending escalating during the 1970s Border War linked to Angola's civil conflict. and intensified, yet South Africa pursued internal reforms like the 1985 Transitional Government of National Unity, excluding , until agreeing to UN-supervised elections in 1989 under the 1988 Brazil Accords, paving the way for independence on 21 March 1990.

Independence struggle and transition (1960s–1990)

The , founded in 1960 as a nationalist movement opposing South African rule, shifted to armed resistance after the terminated South Africa's mandate over the territory on 27 October 1966, declaring the administration illegal. In the same year, SWAPO established its military wing, the , launching guerrilla operations from bases in and against South African targets in northern Namibia. This initiated a protracted , intertwined with South Africa's broader counter-insurgency efforts in the region, which escalated in the 1970s as PLAN incursions increased and South African forces conducted cross-border raids into Angola to disrupt supply lines. The armed struggle, often termed the Namibian War of Independence, involved intermittent clashes between PLAN fighters and the (SADF), with fighting concentrated along Namibia's northern borders and extending into southern amid dynamics, including Cuban troop deployments supporting Angolan government forces allied with . South Africa maintained administrative control through a series of internal assemblies and ethnic-based structures in the 1970s and 1980s, rejecting direct rule demands while facing growing international isolation, including UN Security Council condemnations of its presence. Diplomatic pressures mounted, culminating in UN Security Council Resolution 435 on 29 September 1978, which outlined a settlement plan: a , phased SADF , demobilization of , of discriminatory laws, and free elections under supervision via the (UNTAG). Implementation of Resolution 435 stalled for a decade due to South African insistence on linking Namibian independence to Cuban withdrawal from Angola and mutual accusations of non-compliance, but tripartite talks among Angola, Cuba, and South Africa in 1988 produced the New York Accords, paving the way for the ceasefire on 1 April 1989 and UNTAG's deployment of 4,500 personnel to oversee the transition. UNTAG monitored the restriction of PLAN and SADF forces to bases, voter registration of approximately 700,000 eligible Namibians, and the conduct of multi-party elections held from 7 to 11 November 1989 for a 72-seat Constituent Assembly. SWAPO secured 57.3% of the vote (397,251 votes), winning 41 seats, while the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA) received 28.6% (145,646 votes) for 21 seats; United Democratic Front (UDF) got 5.6% for 4 seats, and smaller parties divided the rest, with turnout at 97% of registered voters. The elections, deemed free and fair by international observers despite isolated violence and logistical challenges in remote areas, enabled the —chaired by SWAPO leader —to adopt an interim constitution in February 1990, establishing a multi-party with executive presidency. South African administrator transferred power on 21 March 1990, marking Namibia's independence; Nujoma was sworn in as president, with SWAPO forming the government amid the demobilization of over 12,000 PLAN combatants and SADF's full withdrawal by that date. The transition integrated ex-combatants into a new Namibian Defence Force, though it left legacies of unresolved grievances, including SWAPO's internal detentions of suspected dissidents in exile camps during the struggle.

Post-independence consolidation (1990–2010)


Namibia's post-independence period began with the adoption of a constitution on February 9, 1990, establishing a unitary, democratic republic with a multi-party system, separation of powers, and protections for fundamental rights. The document vested legislative authority in the National Assembly and executive power in the President, who serves as both head of state and government. Sam Nujoma, leader of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), assumed the presidency on March 21, 1990, following SWAPO's victory in the UN-supervised elections of November 1989, marking a peaceful transition from South African administration. Political stability characterized the era, with SWAPO maintaining dominance in subsequent elections in 1994 and 1999, while opposition parties like the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance participated without significant unrest. Nujoma's administration focused on nation-building and reconciliation, integrating former combatants into society and fostering a sense of national unity amid ethnic diversity. He served three terms until 2005, when succeeded him, continuing SWAPO's governance through 2010. Challenges included consolidating state institutions, such as the and , which inherited structures from the era, requiring reforms to ensure impartiality and efficiency. Namibia joined regional bodies like the (SADC) in 1992, promoting economic cooperation and security. Economically, the period saw average annual GDP growth exceeding the prior decade, driven by the opening of new mines in the early and sustained output in and base metals, which contributed substantially to export revenues. From 1990 to 2000, growth was modest amid efforts, accelerating thereafter to an average of around 4% annually until 2008, supported by fiscal prudence and membership in the . Investments in , , and expanded access, though remained high at over 30% by the mid-2000s. 's dominance—accounting for about 10-12% of GDP—highlighted vulnerability to price fluctuations, prompting diversification attempts in fisheries and . Social consolidation faced hurdles from inherited inequalities, particularly in land ownership, where commercial farms held by comprised 70% of at independence. A market-based resettlement program under the "willing seller-willing buyer" principle redistributed only about 1% of commercial farmland by 2005, prioritizing economic viability over rapid equity gains to avoid disrupting agricultural output. The epidemic intensified pressures, with prevalence peaking at 22% among adults aged 15-49 by 2002, leading to over 200,000 cases by the early 2000s and a decline in from 60 years in 1990 to 51 by 2007. responses included free antiretroviral rollout in 2003, supported by international aid, which began stabilizing rates by 2010. affected roughly 40% of the in the , prompting social safety nets, though remained among the world's highest at 0.70, reflecting persistent disparities.

Contemporary history (2010–2025)

Hage Geingob succeeded Hifikepunye Pohamba as president following the November 2014 general election, in which Geingob, the SWAPO candidate, secured 87% of the vote. SWAPO retained a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, continuing its unchallenged dominance established since independence. In the 2019 presidential election, Geingob was re-elected with 56.3% of the vote, though SWAPO's parliamentary majority fell below two-thirds for the first time, reflecting growing public discontent amid economic stagnation and corruption allegations. The Fishrot scandal, exposed in November 2019 through leaked documents, implicated high-level Namibian officials and an Icelandic fishing firm in a scheme involving millions in bribes for access to lucrative horse mackerel quotas, leading to arrests and ongoing trials that eroded trust in SWAPO leadership. Geingob died of on February 4, 2024, prompting Vice President to assume the interim presidency as stipulated by the . The November 27, 2024, general election saw 's elected president with 57% of the vote, becoming Namibia's first female ; she was sworn in on March 21, 2025. secured 53% of seats, maintaining power but facing opposition claims of electoral irregularities. Throughout the period, Namibia grappled with persistent droughts, declared a national emergency in , exacerbating food insecurity and economic pressures in a already marked by high and , which fueled calls for governance reforms. averaged around 3-4% annually post-2010, driven by and services but hampered by price volatility and fiscal constraints. SWAPO's long rule has ensured political stability, yet scandals and socioeconomic challenges have tested its mandate, with opposition parties gaining ground among younger voters disillusioned by unfulfilled promises of equitable .

Geography

Physical geography and terrain

Namibia spans 824,292 square kilometers in , with a rectangular shape approximately 1,300 kilometers north-south and 650 kilometers east-west at its widest, featuring a narrow eastern protrusion known as the . It borders the for 1,572 kilometers to the west, for 1,427 kilometers to the north, Zambia for 244 kilometers to the northeast, Botswana for 1,544 kilometers to the east, and for 1,005 kilometers to the south and southeast. The country's terrain is dominated by a vast high plateau averaging 1,141 meters in elevation, which constitutes the central interior and supports sparse vegetation adapted to semi-arid conditions. Along the western coast, the Desert forms a narrow, arid belt roughly 80 to 130 kilometers wide, characterized by extensive sand seas, including the towering dunes of reaching heights of up to 300 meters, gravel plains, and fog-shrouded rocky inselbergs. To the east, the terrain grades into the Kalahari Desert's expansive sand sheets and dry savannas, covering much of the eastern third of the country. Elevation reaches its maximum at Königstein on the Brandberg massif in the northwest, standing at 2,573 meters, while the lowest point is at along coast; the plateau's rugged escarpments and isolated mountain ranges, such as the Erongo Mountains, interrupt the otherwise flat expanses. Notable landforms include the , a massive endorheic spanning about 4,800 square kilometers in the north, which serves as a seasonal attracting wildlife, and the in the south, measuring 160 kilometers long, up to 27 kilometers wide, and 550 meters deep, carved by the ephemeral Fish River through ancient rock.

Climate and environmental conditions

Namibia features a predominantly arid and semi-arid climate, shaped by its subtropical location, the rain shadow of the central plateau, and the cooling influence of the Benguela Current along the Atlantic coast. Under the Köppen-Geiger classification, the majority of the country falls into BWh (hot desert) and BSh (hot semi-arid) zones, with Aw (tropical savanna) prevailing in the northeastern Caprivi region. Annual precipitation averages approximately 250-300 mm nationwide, but varies sharply by topography and latitude: less than 50 mm in the coastal Namib Desert, 250-400 mm on the central plateau, and 500-700 mm in the northeast. Rainfall occurs mainly during the summer wet season from October to April, often in intense, erratic thunderstorms, while the winter months are dry with high evaporation rates exceeding precipitation by a factor of 10 or more in arid zones. Temperatures remain warm to hot throughout the year, with inland diurnal ranges of 15-20°C common; summer daytime highs frequently surpass 35°C (95°F) and winter nights can dip below 0°C (32°F) with frost in elevated areas. Coastal fog, derived from the , moderates temperatures to 15-25°C (59-77°F) year-round but contributes minimal direct rainfall, sustaining unique fog-dependent ecosystems like fields. Environmental conditions reflect this aridity, with 92% of land classified as arid or semi-arid, fostering widespread that limits to ephemeral rivers and isolated aquifers. Recurrent droughts, intensified by climate variability, have caused severe impacts, including the 2019 national emergency and a prolonged dry spell through affecting northern regions like Kavango West, leading to over 600,000 deaths by 2020 and ongoing food insecurity for millions. accelerates due to by communal herds, wind of sandy soils, and sparse vegetative cover, while mining operations exacerbate localized degradation through dust and chemical runoff. challenges persist, with overexploitation in urban centers like prompting initiatives, though and threaten long-term viability.

Biodiversity, wildlife, and conservancies

Namibia hosts a remarkable array of shaped by its arid landscapes, including the Namib Desert, savannas, and escarpments, which foster high levels of due to geographic isolation and extreme environmental conditions. At least 3,918 are endemic to the country, encompassing , , amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds, with concentrations in western and central zones featuring diverse substrates and microclimates. This underscores Namibia's status as a hotspot, with nearly 4,000 unique to its territory. The 's wildlife includes iconic large mammals adapted to harsh conditions, such as desert-adapted , black rhinos, lions, leopards, , black-faced , oryx (), springbok, and . efforts have driven population recoveries; for instance, communal has boosted numbers of , predators like lions and leopards, and plains game including oryx and zebra, as evidenced by aerial censuses showing sustained increases in indicator populations since the . Namibia's 20 state-managed national parks and reserves cover approximately 17% of the land area (about 135,000 km²), providing core habitats, while broader protected landscapes, including conservancies, extend coverage to around 40% when accounting for community-managed zones. Namibia's community conservancy program, established under the 1996 Nature Conservation Amendment Act, devolves rights to rural communities, enabling sustainable use through , , and crafts, which has proven effective in reversing declines from pre-independence and loss. As of , 86 communal conservancies span over 20% of the country (more than 166,000 km²), benefiting around 235,000 people and hosting key populations of black rhinos, desert lions, and . Success metrics include median annual incomes exceeding $50,000 for revenue-generating conservancies since 2019, derived primarily from hunting quotas (e.g., 30% of proceeds to communities) and joint-venture lodges, alongside documented recoveries that have enhanced without relying on external subsidies. This model contrasts with top-down approaches elsewhere by aligning local incentives with conservation, though challenges like climate variability and human- persist, prompting adaptive quotas such as the 2025 cull of 723 animals including and zebras to manage overabundance.

Water resources and management

Namibia possesses limited renewable freshwater resources, totaling approximately 422.5 million cubic meters per year, rendering it one of the most water-scarce nations in . availability stands at around 15,750 cubic meters annually as of recent assessments, though this figure masks high variability due to the country's arid and erratic rainfall patterns averaging less than 250 mm per year in most regions. constitutes a minor portion of supply, with about 88% of exploitable resources derived from rivers along northern and southern borders, including the Okavango, Kunene, and Rivers, while ephemeral interior rivers like the Swakop and Kuiseb flow only seasonally. Groundwater from aquifers forms the backbone of domestic and agricultural use, particularly in the arid interior where over 80% of the area depends on it exclusively. Key aquifers include the Ohangwena s (KOH-1 and KOH-2) in the north, estimated to hold up to 20 billion cubic meters in the latter, and the transboundary Stampriet System shared with and . Management efforts, supported by international collaborations such as IAEA projects, focus on assessing recharge rates—often low at 1-5 mm/year—and preventing through monitoring and permitting systems. Surface water infrastructure includes 18 dams operated by NamWater, with the Hardap Dam on the Fish River holding the largest capacity at 294 million cubic meters, supplemented by others like Omatako, Swakoppoort, and Von Bach for central urban supply. The Neckartal Dam, completed in recent years on the same river, adds significant storage for irrigation and potable use in the south. Pipelines from border rivers transport water to inland areas, supporting towns, , and , though evaporation losses in canals exceed 20% in arid conditions. To augment supplies, Namibia has invested in , with the Erongo plant in the coastal region operational since around 2010, producing potable water from Atlantic via . A larger facility, set to become Africa's biggest at 25 million cubic meters annually, broke ground in 2024 for completion by 2026 in the , financed through public-private partnerships. A second plant with 20 million cubic meters capacity received approval in 2024, targeting . Pilot solar-powered units address rural issues. The Resources Management Act of 2004 governs allocation, conservation, and quality, establishing basin-level integrated management to balance ecological, human, and economic needs under the Ministry of Agriculture, and . NamWater manages bulk supply, achieving over 99% urban coverage in areas like through diversified sources: roughly 75% surface, 4% , and 22% reclaimed wastewater. Policies emphasize equitable access, with rural reliance on boreholes and community schemes, though disparities persist. Persistent challenges include recurrent droughts, exacerbated by , with the 2023-2024 event depleting reservoirs and crop yields while straining livestock and human supplies. Projected rainfall declines of 10-30% and rising threaten recharge, prompting calls for stricter permitting and transboundary . Mining activities pose contamination risks to aquifers, while uncoordinated extraction in systems risks depletion. Despite advancements, Namibia has reached limits on easily accessible sources, necessitating ongoing innovation in efficiency and non-conventional supplies to avert crisis.

Urban and rural settlements

Namibia's population is nearly evenly divided between and rural areas, with the 2023 recording 1,512,685 urban residents and 1,509,716 rural inhabitants out of a total population of approximately 3.0 million. areas have experienced rapid growth, increasing by 67.4% from 2011 to 2023, compared to 24.8% for rural populations, reflecting a national rate of 54.89% in 2023. This shift is driven by rural-to-urban migration due to limited and economic opportunities in rural zones, where and predominate amid arid conditions covering much of the country. Windhoek, the capital and largest city, dominates urban settlement with a 2023 population of 486,186, serving as the political, economic, and cultural hub. Other significant urban centers include (118,632 residents) in the northeast, a gateway to and ; (port city with economic focus on fishing and logistics); and in the populous Ohangwena-Oshikoto region. Coastal towns like support tourism and mining-related activities, while northern and eastern settlements such as facilitate cross-border trade. Urban expansion has strained infrastructure, with nearly 40% of urban dwellers in informal settlements lacking adequate services. Rural settlements are dispersed across communal lands and freehold farms, characterized by low population density and reliance on livestock rearing and rain-fed farming in savanna and semi-arid regions. Poverty rates are higher in rural areas, with electrification at only 21% and limited access to water and sanitation, exacerbating environmental degradation from overgrazing and drought vulnerability. Traditional villages, often clustered in the more fertile northern communal areas, maintain communal land tenure systems inherited from pre-independence eras, though commercial farming dominates in central and southern freehold zones. Migration from these areas contributes to urban informal growth, posing challenges for rural development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods through conservancies and agro-processing.

Government and Politics

Constitutional framework and political system

The Constitution of Namibia, promulgated on 9 February 1990 and effective from 21 March 1990 upon independence, serves as the supreme law of the republic, establishing it as a sovereign, secular, democratic, and unitary state. It vests sovereignty in the people and delineates fundamental principles including democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights enshrined in Chapter 3's Bill of Rights, which guarantees equality before the law, freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, while prohibiting discrimination on grounds such as race, sex, or ethnic origin. The document comprises 23 chapters and employs gender-neutral language, reflecting a deliberate break from apartheid-era structures, with English designated as the sole official language to promote national unity. Namibia operates as a presidential with a , featuring clear among the , legislative, and judicial branches to prevent concentration of authority. The is headed by the , who serves as both and , commander-in-chief of the defense forces, and appoints the and to assist in policy execution, with executive authority derived directly from the electorate via five-year terms. Legislative power resides in a bicameral : the 104-member , elected every five years through a combination of and constituency voting, handles primary law-making; the 42-member National Council, indirectly elected by regional councils, reviews legislation for regional implications. The judiciary maintains independence, with the as the apex authority interpreting the , rooted in Roman-Dutch supplemented by where applicable, ensuring checks on and legislative actions. This framework promotes democratic accountability through for citizens aged 18 and older, regular elections, and constitutional provisions for or no-confidence votes against the or government, though in practice, the South West Africa People's Organization () has dominated since 1990, securing over 70% of votes in most cycles, raising questions about competitive pluralism despite formal multi-party provisions. Amendments require two-thirds approval in the and, for certain entrenched clauses like , a three-quarters majority or , underscoring rigidity to safeguard core democratic elements against erosion.

Executive leadership and succession

The executive branch of Namibia is headed by the , who serves as both and , with authority vested in the president and the as outlined in Article 27 of the . The is elected by direct popular vote for a non-renewable term of five years, following the 1999 limiting incumbents to two terms total. The officeholder appoints the —subject to National Assembly approval—and members, exercises command over the defense force, declares states of emergency, and represents Namibia in , though legislative proposals require parliamentary consent. Succession to the occurs automatically upon vacancy due to death, resignation, or incapacity, with the assuming the office for the remainder of the term, as demonstrated in February 2024 when Nangolo Mbumba succeeded Hage Geingob following his death from cancer on February 4. The mandates that the serve until the next scheduled election or the term's end, ensuring continuity without immediate by-elections unless otherwise specified. In the event the is also vacant, the acts as interim head, though this has not occurred since . Namibia's post-independence presidents have predominantly come from the , reflecting the party's electoral dominance since 1990. held the office from March 21, 1990, to March 21, 2005, overseeing the transition from apartheid-era South African administration. served two terms from 2005 to 2015, followed by from 2015 until his death in 2024. Mbumba acted as president from February 4, 2024, to March 21, 2025, after which —SWAPO's candidate and the incumbent —was inaugurated following her victory in the November 27, 2024, election with 57% of the vote, marking her as the in the role.
PresidentTermParty
1990–2005
2005–2015
2015–2024
(acting)2024–2025
2025–present

Legislature and elections

Namibia's legislature is bicameral, consisting of the as the primary legislative body and the National Council in an advisory capacity. The holds the core legislative authority, with the power to introduce, debate, and pass bills, subject to presidential assent, as well as to approve budgets, authorize taxation, and oversee executive actions through committees. The National Council reviews passed by the Assembly, offering recommendations but lacking power, thereby serving to represent regional interests. The comprises 96 voting members elected for five-year terms via on closed party lists, determined by the with a across the national constituency, plus 8 non-voting members appointed by the under Article 49(9) of the to represent underrepresented groups. Elections for the Assembly occur concurrently with presidential polls every five years, managed by the independent Electoral of Namibia (ECN), which supervises , polling, and under the Electoral of 2010. The National Council's 42 members, one per electoral region, are elected indirectly for six-year terms by the 14 regional councils, staggered to renew half every three years. Since independence in 1990, the People's Organization () has maintained dominance in legislative elections, securing majorities in every poll due to its legacy and organizational strength, though has averaged around 70% and opposition gains have eroded its share from peaks above 80% in the to 56% in . In the November 27, , general elections—extended in some areas due to logistical failures like insufficient ballots and delays— retained a in the amid reports of irregularities, including vote shortages and technical glitches, prompting opposition challenges from parties like the (PDM) alleging malpractice but failing to overturn results certified by the ECN. 's parliamentary control has facilitated policy continuity but drawn criticism for entrenching one-party dominance, with opposition seats rising to 31 in before stabilizing.

Judiciary and legal system

The Namibian judiciary derives its authority from Chapter 9 of the , which vests judicial power exclusively in the courts comprising a , a , and lower courts established by acts of . Article 78 mandates the of the judiciary, prohibiting interference by other branches of government in judicial functions, decisions, or administration. This framework, adopted upon in 1990, aims to ensure impartial adjudication while balancing formal state law with customary practices prevalent in rural areas. The court hierarchy operates as a three-tier system. The serves as the final appellate authority, adjudicating appeals from the on matters of law and fact, and holds over constitutional disputes, including the interpretation and upholding of the . The possesses inherent over serious civil and criminal cases, reviews decisions from lower courts, and handles appeals from magistrates' courts. Lower courts include regional and magistrates' courts, which manage the bulk of routine civil, criminal, and small claims matters, with decisions appealable to the . Parallel to this formal structure, traditional courts apply in disputes involving community norms, particularly in inheritance, marriage, and land use, subject to constitutional supremacy and non-discrimination principles. Sources of law in Namibia reflect a pluralistic rooted in Roman-Dutch , supplemented by statutes, judicial precedents, , and international agreements incorporated via Article 144 of the . The is the supreme law, overriding inconsistent legislation or customs; parliamentary acts form the primary statutory source, while principles from pre-independence South African persist unless explicitly repealed. applies where compatible with , often in traditional communities, but yields to statutory overrides in areas like . Judicial appointments reinforce independence: the and judges are recommended by the Judicial Service Commission—a body including the , legal practitioners, and members—and appointed by the President, with judges serving until age 65 or removable only for via a tribunal process. judges follow a similar procedure, and magistrates are appointed by the Minister of Justice on commission advice, though efforts since 2010 to establish an Office of the Judiciary have aimed to insulate administrative functions from executive control. Despite these safeguards, practical challenges persist, including chronic case backlogs—exemplified by delays in high-profile corruption trials like the 2019 Fishrot scandal, where procedural maneuvers extended proceedings beyond initial timelines—and resource shortages leading to prolonged pretrial detentions. Perceptions of judicial integrity remain relatively higher than in executive or legislative branches, with surveys indicating low direct corruption among judges compared to officials in procurement or policing, though enforcement gaps in anticorruption laws undermine public trust. The system's Roman-Dutch foundations facilitate procedural efficiency in commercial disputes but strain under volume in criminal and customary matters, where evidentiary standards and rural access issues exacerbate delays. Reforms, such as digital case management pilots introduced in 2020, seek to address these, but implementation lags due to funding constraints.

Administrative structure and local governance

Namibia maintains a structure with devolved administrative powers to regional and local levels, as outlined in Chapter 12 of the , which mandates freely elected councils for regional and local organs of . The country is divided into 14 regions, established under the Regional Councils Act of 1992, each serving as the primary subnational administrative unit responsible for planning, development coordination, and service delivery within defined geographic boundaries. These regions are further subdivided into 121 electoral constituencies, which facilitate representation on regional councils but do not possess independent administrative authority. Each regional council consists of elected councilors—one per constituency—selected through direct elections held every six years, with the council electing a to oversee operations. Regional governors, appointed by the under the Regional Governors Appointment Act of 1990, serve as the political heads of regions, acting as representatives of central government to promote development, enhance service delivery, and coordinate between national ministries and local entities. This appointment mechanism centralizes executive oversight, distinguishing governors from the elected councils and enabling direct presidential influence over regional priorities. Local governance operates through 57 unitary local authorities, categorized by population and capacity into municipal councils (primarily urban), town councils, and village councils, which handle essential services such as , , , and under the Local Authorities Act of 1992. Municipal councils, numbering around 13-15 depending on classification (e.g., three "Part I" city councils like ), possess greater fiscal and regulatory powers compared to the 26 town councils and 18 village councils, which serve smaller settlements with more limited mandates. Local councils are elected for five-year terms, with mayors or chairpersons selected internally, though financial dependence on transfers often constrains , leading to challenges in maintenance and revenue generation. Coordination between regional councils and local authorities occurs through joint planning forums, but overlaps in responsibilities, such as , have prompted ongoing reforms to clarify jurisdictional boundaries.

Foreign policy and international relations

Namibia's foreign policy is guided by Article 96 of its 1990 , which mandates non-alignment, promotion of international cooperation for and security, respect for and treaties, and support for African unity and . This framework emphasizes national security, prosperity, and , rooted in the South West Africa People's Organization ()'s liberation history, which drew support from , , and Soviet-aligned states during the anti-colonial struggle. Post-independence, policy has balanced historical solidarity with pragmatic economic engagement, prioritizing regional integration via the () and (). Namibia maintains membership in the (since 1990), , SADC, SACU, , , and , using these platforms to advocate and . It actively implements the (AfCFTA), achieving first exports under the agreement in 2025 to enhance intra-African trade and reduce reliance on extra-continental partners. On global issues, Namibia condemns occupations like Morocco's in , viewing it as a violation of principles akin to its own struggle, and has urged renewed UN efforts for resolution while criticizing endorsements by and others. Bilateral relations with , Namibia's largest trading partner, are characterized by over 150 agreements covering security, water sharing via the , and , despite historical tensions from apartheid-era until 1990. Ties with , established in 1990, focus on infrastructure and resource extraction, with Chinese investments totaling $4.6 billion since independence in roads, railways, and mining, alongside zero-tariff access for Namibian exports under 2025 agreements. , as former colonizer (1884–1915), provides , including €1.1 billion over 30 years for reconciliation projects post-2021 recognition of Herero and Nama atrocities, though negotiations have faced criticism for excluding direct and community input. Under President , inaugurated March 2025, policy prioritizes investment for 500,000 jobs via trade diversification, including interest in membership for alternative financing and cooperation with , reflecting non-alignment amid US-China competition over resources. Relations with the emphasize and aid, with shared commitments to , while partnerships target green energy and trade surpluses. This approach sustains economic pragmatism, though human rights inconsistencies in UN voting—such as abstentions on -related resolutions—stem from historical ties rather than deep strategic alignment.

Military and defense

The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) was established on 31 March 1990 following Namibia's independence from , integrating the (PLAN), the military wing of the People's Organisation (), with elements of the South West Africa Territory Force (SWATF) and paramilitary units under supervision. This merger aimed to create a unified national military from former belligerents, with initial reducing PLAN's estimated 11,000 fighters and SWATF's 23,000 personnel to a core force. The NDF's formation was mandated by Article 115 of the Namibian and the Defence Act 20 of 1990, emphasizing civilian control and a defensive posture focused on territorial integrity. The NDF comprises three primary branches: the Namibian Army, , and , supported by logistics and medical services, with the army forming the bulk of operations. Active personnel number approximately 9,000, supplemented by reserves, though exact figures vary due to and retention challenges. Defense spending reached $362.4 million in 2024, equivalent to about 3% of GDP, funding operations amid criticisms of inefficiency and over-reliance on personnel costs. Namibia's military inventory consists predominantly of Soviet-era equipment inherited from PLAN, augmented by acquisitions from , the primary supplier since 2010, including small arms, armored vehicles like mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, and recent additions such as Milkor Bushcat 4x4 armored personnel carriers and unmanned aerial vehicles displayed in 2025 anniversary parades. The operates a limited fleet of and training aircraft, while the maintains patrol vessels for coastal security in exclusive economic zone. Modernization efforts prioritize border patrol and , though underfunding limits capabilities against asymmetric threats like and . Namibia's defense policy underscores non-aggression, regional cooperation through the (SADC), and contributions to , with NDF troops deployed to missions in , , and the to support post-conflict stabilization. Internal challenges include allegations of corruption and ethnic imbalances favoring northern Ovambo recruits, stemming from SWAPO's historical dominance, which have prompted reforms to enhance and oversight.

Human rights and civil liberties

Namibia's 1990 Constitution enshrines a comprehensive in Chapter 3, guaranteeing fundamental freedoms including , life, human dignity, liberty, freedom of expression, assembly, association, movement, religion, and protection from arbitrary search, arrest, or . These provisions bind the executive, legislature, judiciary, and all state organs, with the empowered to enforce them through direct access for individuals alleging violations. In practice, such as and are robustly protected, with Namibia ranking 28th globally and second in on the 2025 , reflecting minimal legal restrictions on journalists and low risks of harassment or censorship. Despite constitutional safeguards, implementation faces challenges, particularly in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and against marginalized groups. GBV remains prevalent, with the Namibian Force recording 4,815 cases between April 2023 and January 2024, including and ; this rose to 4,405 cases from April 2024 to February 2025, of which 1,345 involved . Approximately 32% of adolescent girls aged 15-19 and 35% of women aged 20-24 report experiencing physical violence from partners, exacerbated by cultural norms, , and inadequate enforcement of the 2003 Combating of Act. brutality occurs sporadically, with isolated reports of excessive force during arrests, though accountability mechanisms like internal investigations exist but yield limited prosecutions. Discrimination against + individuals persists despite a landmark June 2024 ruling declaring colonial-era "" and "unnatural sexual offences" laws unconstitutional, as they violated and ; the government appealed the decision in July 2024, seeking clarification on sex-based . Prior to the ruling, convictions were rare, but the laws fostered stigma, , and barriers to healthcare access; remains unrecognized, and societal attitudes contribute to and exclusion. communities, comprising about 3% of the , endure systemic marginalization, including dispossession—only 15% hold legal title to occupied lands—high rates, 20% , and healthcare , such as of due to inability to pay or ethnic bias. Efforts like ancestral inquiries have yielded limited restitution, perpetuating cycles of exclusion. Overall, while no credible reports indicate widespread state-sponsored abuses, gaps in , cultural resistance, and judicial backlogs hinder full realization of , particularly for women, sexual minorities, and groups; international observers note progress in legal frameworks but emphasize the need for stronger enforcement and societal change.

Corruption, , and institutional weaknesses

Namibia's public sector corruption is perceived as moderate compared to regional peers, with the country scoring 49 out of 100 on Transparency International's 2024 , placing it 59th out of 180 nations globally; this score has remained stagnant for four consecutive years, reflecting persistent challenges despite formal anti-corruption frameworks. The (ACC), established under the 2003 Anti-Corruption Act, investigates offenses including and , yet enforcement is hampered by resource constraints and political influences, leading to low conviction rates. Systemic issues are exacerbated by the dominance of the People's Organization (), which has governed since independence in 1990, fostering networks where party loyalty often trumps merit in appointments to state enterprises and positions. This has resulted in escalated , as evidenced by reports of cadre deployment prioritizing political allegiance over competence, undermining institutional integrity. High-profile scandals underscore these vulnerabilities, notably the Fishrot case uncovered in November 2019, involving the of Namibian officials by an Icelandic fishing firm to secure lucrative quotas worth hundreds of millions of dollars, which diverted public resources and caused hundreds of job losses in the fishing sector. Trials began in 2023 but faced delays, including a 2025 postponement due to legal maneuvers, highlighting prosecutorial weaknesses and potential elite impunity. More recently, in 2025, charges were filed against 13 individuals in a involving over N$500 million (approximately $28 million USD) in misappropriated funds, illustrating ongoing patterns of fraud in and resource allocation. U.S. State Department reports confirm credible instances of high-level graft, including abuse of public funds, though investigations often stall amid allegations of interference. Institutional weaknesses compound these problems, with formal checks like undermined by executive influence and underfunding; Namibia's overall score dipped slightly in the 2024 Index, ranking 44th out of 142 countries, particularly in constraints on government powers and absence of . and face moderate to high risks, including in and political pressure on courts, which erodes public trust and deters investment. The notes that while exists constitutionally, institutional capacity remains frail, enabling to persist through SWAPO's electoral , which secures over two-thirds of parliamentary seats in recent elections. These dynamics perpetuate a cycle where mechanisms, such as the ACC, are selectively applied, often shielding ruling elites while targeting lower-level offenders.

Economy

Macroeconomic overview and growth trends

Namibia's economy is classified as upper-middle-income, with a nominal GDP of approximately $13.37 billion in 2024 and a GDP of $4,413. The structure features heavy reliance on primary sectors, particularly , which accounts for over 10% of GDP and more than half of export earnings, alongside and fisheries vulnerable to climatic variability. Services, including and government activities, contribute around 60% to GDP, while remains underdeveloped at under 10%. has historically involved expansionary spending, leading to public debt levels near 70% of GDP, though recent consolidations aim to stabilize finances amid South African rand pegging of the currency. Real GDP growth has exhibited volatility, averaging 1.7% annually over the past decade, constrained by commodity price fluctuations, recurrent droughts, and structural bottlenecks. Post-independence expansion in the and early averaged above 4%, but decelerated to negative territory during the 2009 global financial crisis and stagnated around 1-2% in the due to falling mineral revenues and fiscal imbalances. Recovery accelerated post-COVID, with growth reaching 5.4% in 2022 and 4.4% in 2023, driven by mining rebound and base effects, before moderating to 3.7% in 2024 amid global headwinds and agricultural contractions. Projections for 2025 indicate growth of 3.1-3.6%, supported by anticipated investments and projects, though risks from subdued , persistent around 3.5-3.7%, and high exceeding 35% in broad measures temper optimism. Long-term trends underscore the need for diversification, as growth has failed to outpace increases sufficiently to reduce rates hovering near 28% at $3.65/day thresholds.

Mining and resource extraction

Mining constitutes a cornerstone of Namibia's economy, accounting for approximately 14.4% of (GDP) in and 13.7% in the first quarter of . The sector generated total revenues of N$52.259 billion in 2024, up marginally from N$51.572 billion in , with profits reaching N$52.259 billion amid fluctuating prices. It remains predominantly foreign-owned, exporting minerals that form over half of Namibia's merchandise exports, though vulnerability to global volatility persists due to limited addition and processing domestically. Uranium mining dominates production, positioning Namibia as the world's third-largest producer in 2023 with output rising 14% year-on-year to contribute 12% of global supply in 2024. Annual production reached a record 6,440 tonnes in 2024, driven by restarts at mines like Langer Heinrich, though growth slowed to 1.8% from 29.6% in 2023 due to operational challenges at Rössing and Husab. Major operators include China National Nuclear Corporation at Husab, Rio Tinto at Rössing, and Paladin Energy at Langer Heinrich, with deposits concentrated in the Erongo region. Diamond extraction, primarily offshore along coast, yielded 2.2 million carats in 2024, a 4% decline from prior levels amid global market pressures, representing about 9% of ' worldwide output. Namdeb, a 50-50 between the Namibian government and , handles most operations using marine vessels for gravel , with onshore alluvial deposits also exploited. The sector's value has historically exceeded 60% of GDP over decades, though recent slumps in demand have reduced payments to Namibia. Base metals and gold production contracted in 2024 due to lower output and prices, despite rises in copper and zinc values. Zinc from the Skorpion mine, copper from emerging projects like Haib and Oamites, and gold from Otjikoto (operated by B2Gold) provide secondary contributions, with new licenses like Hope Copper-Gold signaling expansion potential. Resource extraction faces constraints from arid conditions limiting water supply and high capital intensity, yet it sustains thousands of jobs and fiscal revenues through royalties and taxes.

Agriculture, land use, and fisheries

Namibia's agriculture sector is constrained by the country's predominantly arid and , contributing approximately 5.1% to GDP while supporting livelihoods for about 70% of the population, primarily through subsistence farming. production accounts for roughly 70% of agricultural output, with crops forming a smaller share due to limited and erratic rainfall. The sector faces structural vulnerabilities, including recurrent droughts that exacerbate , with agriculture consuming up to 75% of total water withdrawals. Land use in Namibia is dominated by extensive suitable for , comprising 46.2% of total land area, while constitutes only about 1%, reflecting the scarcity of fertile and reliable moisture for . overall covers 47.2% of the territory, with the remainder consisting of , , and other non-arable categories. Commercial farming, concentrated in the north-central regions, contrasts with communal lands where smallholders predominate, leading to differential productivity levels influenced by access to and veterinary services. Crop production remains low-yield and rain-dependent, with pearl millet (mahangu) serving as the staple for over 50% of the population in subsistence systems. National cereal output was estimated at 72,000 metric tons in 2024, including maize, millet, and sorghum, though yields average just 649 kg per hectare—far below global norms—due to soil degradation and climate variability. In the first quarter of 2023, maize production reached 1,293 tons (61.7% of quarterly cereals), while millet volumes surged 201% year-over-year but remained modest in absolute terms. Imports of coarse grains, totaling 236,300 tons from May 2023 to February 2024, underscore domestic shortfalls. Livestock rearing, centered on , sheep, and goats, drives the sector's economic value, benefiting from Namibia's vast rangelands but hampered by and outbreaks. The prolonged 2023–2024 drought sharply reduced herd sizes and sales, contributing to a 4.9% decline in agricultural in the second quarter of 2024. The fisheries sector, leveraging Namibia's rich in , , and sardines, contributes around 4.1% to GDP as of 2024 and generates up to 20% of export earnings, with 2023 revenues reaching N$14 billion (14% of total exports). Exports totaled USD 760 million in 2022, half directed to the , though risks and quota enforcement challenges persist. Sustainable management through individual transferable quotas has supported stock recovery since , yet illegal by foreign vessels occasionally disrupts operations. Persistent challenges include severe droughts, such as the 2023–2024 event—one of the worst in over a century—causing failures, losses, and heightened food insecurity for smallholders. amplifies these issues, prompting reliance on and imports, while low and shocks limit scalability despite to raise agriculture's GDP share to 8% by 2030.

Tourism and services

Tourism directly contributed 6.9% to Namibia's GDP in , equivalent to N$14.3 billion, while supporting 57,571 direct jobs or about 8% of total employment. International arrivals surged 87.4% to 863,872 in 2023 from 461,027 in , reflecting post-COVID recovery, though figures remained below the 2019 pre-pandemic high of 1,595,973. The sector's growth is projected at 3.7% annually to 2034, potentially reaching 3.9% of GDP. Namibia's tourism draws visitors to its unique landscapes, including the Namib Desert's towering dunes at , Etosha National Park's saline pan hosting large mammal populations, and the Skeleton Coast's stark marine wilderness with shipwrecks and Cape fur seal colonies. Community-based conservancies, covering over 20% of land, channel tourism revenues into wildlife management, enabling species recoveries like black rhinos and through incentives for local rather than centralized state control. These models demonstrate causal links between property rights and ecological outcomes, contrasting with failures in state-managed . The broader services sector dominates Namibia's economy, comprising approximately 58-63% of GDP and driving recent expansions through , , and activities. In the first half of 2025, services fueled 3% overall GDP growth amid mining slowdowns. Subsectors like wholesale trade, , and information services grew steadily, though tourism's seasonality and infrastructure gaps—such as limited air —constrain potential, with occupancy averaging 41.49% year-to-date in 2025. Persistent challenges include high operational costs from imported inputs and vulnerability to global shocks, underscoring needs for diversified services beyond resource-linked activities.

Infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing

Namibia possesses one of Africa's highest-quality road networks, spanning approximately 48,000 kilometers, with over 4,500 kilometers paved, facilitating efficient freight and passenger transport across its arid terrain. The Trans-Kalahari Highway connects Walvis Bay to South Africa via Botswana, supporting regional trade corridors, while ongoing upgrades to the railway system, including the Walvis Bay-Kranzberg line, aim to double cargo capacity to enhance mineral exports and reduce road congestion. Key ports like Walvis Bay handle over 90% of the country's maritime traffic, serving as a gateway for landlocked neighbors, though capacity constraints persist due to limited dredging and handling equipment. Air infrastructure includes two international airports—Hosea Kutako near Windhoek and Walvis Bay—alongside regional facilities, with Hosea Kutako handling most international flights but facing underutilization outside peak tourism seasons. The sector relies heavily on imports to meet , with domestic covering only about 60% of needs as of 2023, exacerbated by variable output from the Ruacana facility shared with . Installed electricity capacity stands at 680 MW, with roughly 70% derived from renewables including (primarily Ruacana at 150 MW), photovoltaic (growing from 170 MW baseline in 2023), and , though droughts have periodically slashed hydro contributions by up to 80%. Namibia holds significant reserves—ranking among the world's top ten—but lacks operational , instead exporting ore while pursuing and expansions targeting 150 MW additional capacity by mid-decade to curb import dependence from and . policies aim for 70% renewable penetration by 2030, leveraging high (over 2,500 kWh/m² annually) and coastal winds, yet integration challenges and high upfront costs hinder faster deployment. Manufacturing contributes modestly to GDP, at around 11% in 2022, down from higher shares in the early due to a small , skilled labor shortages, and reliance on imported inputs amid volatile global prices. Dominant subsectors include agro-processing (meat packing and fish , tied to export quotas), beverages ( for local and regional markets), and basic linked to outputs like and . The sector employs under 10% of the formal and faces structural barriers such as high energy costs—exacerbated by import reliance—and limited value addition, with most output oriented toward primary resource beneficiation rather than diversified industrialization. Efforts to bolster manufacturing through special economic zones at have yielded incremental gains, but empirical outcomes remain constrained by institutional factors like bureaucratic hurdles and inadequate vocational training infrastructure.

Persistent economic challenges: unemployment and inequality

Namibia faces severe , with the official rate reaching 36.9% in , up from 33.4% in 2018, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency's labor force survey based on the Population and Housing Census. This figure exceeds modeled estimates of around 19% for 2024, which exclude discouraged workers and use narrower definitions, highlighting the national survey's broader capture of labor market discouragement. is particularly acute, affecting approximately 44.5% of the 15-34 age cohort in the labor force in , with 202,144 unemployed out of 454,130 economically active youth. Rural areas exhibit higher rates due to agricultural decline and limited non-farm opportunities, while urban migration exacerbates informal sector overcrowding without commensurate job creation. Persistent high unemployment stems from low , resource dependence limiting labor absorption, and effects where prolonged joblessness erodes skills and perpetuates cycles of inactivity. Empirical analyses attribute it to a dualistic labor market—formal sectors dominated by and fail to expand sufficiently, while informal and subsistence activities trap low-productivity workers—compounded by skills mismatches from inadequate vocational training and rigid wage structures inherited from pre-independence policies. , averaging 3-4% annually in recent years, has not translated into proportional gains due to capital-intensive industries and insufficient diversification into or services. Government interventions, such as programs, provide temporary relief but fail to address root causes like poor and bureaucratic hurdles to private investment. Income inequality in Namibia remains among the world's highest, with a of 59.1 as of the latest data from 2015, reflecting skewed wealth distribution from colonial-era land and capital concentration. Forecasts suggest persistence at around 58 in 2025, driven by concentrated revenues benefiting elites and limited trickle-down to broader populations. A small minority retains disproportionate control over commercial farmland—estimated at 70% of —while black Namibians dominate low-yield subsistence farming, perpetuating traps. Urban-rural divides amplify this, with formal economy wages averaging multiples of informal earnings, and social spending, though progressive, reduces the Gini by only about 5-7 points due to high baseline disparities and inefficiencies in delivery. The interplay of and fosters intergenerational , as low —linked to underfunded schools in disadvantaged areas—restricts mobility, while in hiring favors political connections over merit. Despite policies like quotas, empirical outcomes show slow progress, with rates hovering at 27.5% (using $3/day threshold) amid of resource rents. Addressing these requires causal focus on productivity-enhancing reforms, such as land redistribution with market incentives and investment in , rather than redistributive measures alone, which have yielded marginal reductions since .

Land reform: policies, implementation, and empirical outcomes

Namibia's efforts, initiated after in 1990, aimed to address colonial-era disparities where approximately 4,000 white commercial farmers controlled about 70% of , while the black majority held communal titles to marginal areas. The Agricultural (Commercial) Act of 1995 established a framework for redistribution through a "willing seller, willing buyer" model, prioritizing resettlement for landless Namibians and farmworkers via government purchases of commercial farms for allocation. This was supplemented by the Affirmative Action Loan Scheme (AALS), launched in 1992, which provided subsidized loans to previously Namibians—primarily black citizens—to acquire farms independently from private sellers. Amendments in 2003 to the Act empowered expropriation for "" with "just compensation," though rarely invoked until proposals in the late 2010s. Implementation proceeded slowly due to fiscal constraints, limited land supply from reluctant sellers, and bureaucratic hurdles. By , the had acquired over 1,000 farms for resettlement under the national program, redistributing roughly 15-20% of commercial farmland, but the AALS facilitated more transactions, with black ownership rising to about 30-40% of freehold land. Annual targets, such as 20 farms per year, were often unmet, and post-1990 policies emphasized market-based acquisition to avoid disrupting food production, leading to high costs—exceeding N$1 billion by the mid-2000s for purchases alone. Selection criteria favored historically disadvantaged groups, but occurred, with many beneficiaries being politically connected rather than the poorest landless, exacerbating intra-black inequalities. Expropriations remained minimal, with only a handful by 2018, as the prioritized amid fears of flight. Empirical outcomes reveal limited success in boosting or reducing , with resettled farms often underutilized due to beneficiaries' lack of farming expertise, inadequate post-settlement support in and , and vulnerability to . Studies indicate agricultural output on redistributed land declined by 20-50% in many cases, as smallholder-scale allocations failed to achieve previously realized by larger white-owned operations, contributing to Namibia's rising food import dependence—from 50% of needs in the to over 80% by 2020. Resettlement projects showed high failure rates, with fewer than 20% deemed sustainable after five years, reproducing cycles as new owners shifted to subsistence rather than production. While AALS farms fared somewhat better due to buyer initiative, overall sector growth stagnated at 1-2% annually post-reform, lagging population needs and highlighting causal factors like insufficient capital access and skills gaps over redistributive volume alone. Critics from farming unions note that without addressing these, reform risks mirroring Zimbabwe's collapse, though Namibia's restraint preserved some stability.

Demographics and Society

Population dynamics and migration

Namibia's population reached 3,022,401 according to the 2023 Population and Housing Census conducted by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). This marked a 59.3% increase from the 2,113,077 recorded in the 2011 census, with an intercensal annual growth rate of 3.0%. The population structure remains youthful, with preliminary data indicating that individuals under age 35 comprise over 70% of the total, reflecting high fertility rates and declining infant mortality. The crude birth rate stood at approximately 25.9 births per 1,000 population in 2023, while the death rate was around 6.6 per 1,000, yielding a natural increase rate of about 1.93%. Fertility remains above replacement level at 3.17 children per woman as of 2021, though it has declined from higher historical figures due to improved access to education and family planning in urban areas. Life expectancy at birth improved to 60.4 years by 2021, up from 53 years in 2000, primarily driven by reductions in HIV-related mortality following antiretroviral therapy scale-up, though regional disparities persist with rural areas lagging. Migration plays a pivotal role in population redistribution, with rural-to-urban flows dominating patterns since in 1990. Between 2011 and 2023, the urban population grew by 67.4%, compared to 24.8% in rural areas, fueled by economic opportunities in mining and services concentrated in and coastal towns like . is largely driven by livelihood pressures, including recurrent droughts and agricultural shortfalls in arid northern and eastern regions, prompting movement to peri-urban informal settlements where migrants often face and inadequate . International migration is minimal, with net low due to limited skilled labor outflows and restrictive policies on . Namibia hosts small refugee populations from and , totaling under 5,000 as of recent estimates, while primarily involves professionals seeking opportunities in or . Climate variability exacerbates internal mobility, as poor rainfall patterns displace pastoralists, though empirical studies indicate that such movements rarely lead to permanent urban adaptation without targeted interventions. Overall, these dynamics contribute to Namibia's low of about 3.3 persons per square kilometer, with over 90% of the land remaining sparsely inhabited.

Ethnic groups and social structures

Namibia's population of 3,022,401 as enumerated in the 2023 Population and Housing exhibits significant ethnic diversity, dominated by Bantu-speaking African groups alongside , mixed-race, and European-descended minorities. The disaggregates ethnic identities finely, revealing the Aakwanyama— a subgroup of the broader Ovambo—as the largest at 23.6% (712,165 individuals), concentrated in the northern Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions. The Aandonga, another Ovambo subgroup, comprise 10.3%, while the Ovaherero account for 5.9%. Other notable groups include the Ovakavango (collectively around 9% in prior estimates, though disaggregated in recent data), Damara (approximately 7-8%), Nama (4-5%), and (2-3%), with peoples like the representing less than 3% overall. European-descended whites, primarily and , total 1.8% or 53,773 persons, ranking 15th among ethnic categories; mixed-race and form about 3.6%.
Ethnic GroupPercentageApproximate Number (2023)
Aakwanyama23.6%712,165
Aandonga10.3%~311,000
Ovaherero5.9%~178,000
1.8%53,773
San (Bushmen)~2-3%~60,000-90,000
This table summarizes select groups from census data; smaller ethnicities and unsubgrouped Ovambo subgroups fill the remainder, with Africans overall at 93.2%. Social structures in Namibia blend customary systems with modern statutory frameworks, particularly in rural areas where over 60% of the resides and traditional authorities hold sway. varies by : groups such as the Ovambo and Herero typically follow patrilineal , organizing into clans centered on male lineages, cattle herding, and extended family compounds where elders mediate disputes and allocate resources. groups like the exhibit more egalitarian, flexible bilateral or matrilineal-influenced systems adapted to mobile lifestyles, though sedentarization has introduced patrilineal elements. Pastoralist Nama communities emphasize bilateral ties, with women holding influence in herding and decision-making. The Traditional Authorities Act of 2000 formally recognizes 51 traditional communities, granting chiefs, kings, and headmen jurisdiction over in personal matters, communal , and for their members—powers derived from and delegated by the . These authorities maintain hierarchical structures, including councils and sub-headmen, enforcing norms on , , and social obligations, which coexist uneasily with constitutional principles; surveys indicate higher legitimacy where traditional leaders align with formal institutions. migration and modernization erode extended kin networks, fostering nuclear families among younger cohorts, yet customary practices persist, with traditional courts handling up to 80% of rural disputes. groups like the face marginalization, with limited recognition of their authorities compared to larger polities, exacerbating land access issues under communal systems favoring established chiefs.

Languages and linguistic diversity

Namibia's linguistic profile features English as the sole , adopted at in 1990 to promote unity across ethnic divides without favoring any group. The Constitution's Article 3 explicitly states that English shall be official but does not prohibit other languages, allowing their use in private, cultural, and educational contexts. Indigenous languages are supported through policies favoring mother-tongue instruction in early and bilingual approaches to bridge to English-medium schooling. This framework aims to balance preservation of linguistic heritage with national cohesion, though English remains a for most, with native home use under 3%. The country's languages fall into two primary indigenous families: (Niger-Congo phylum), dominant in the north and central regions, and (encompassing Khoe-Kwadi, Kx'a, and Tuu branches), concentrated in the south and east among and Nama communities. Khoisan tongues are notable for click consonants—up to 20 distinct types in some dialects—derived from phonetic adaptations rather than genetic relation to , though clicks have influenced certain southwestern varieties like those spoken by the Damara. Over 30 indigenous languages exist, with 14 , 8 (including 4 Khoe and 3 Kx'a), and Namibian Sign Language also documented.
Major Home Language GroupsPercentage of Households (2011 Census)Family
Oshiwambo49%
Nama/Damara (Khoekhoegowab)11%
Afrikaans10%Germanic
Kavango (Rukwangali et al.)9%
Otjiherero~7%
San languages~1%
Data from the 2011 Population and Housing Census indicate Oshiwambo dialects—spoken by Ovambo groups—as the plurality home language, reflecting northern . Afrikaans, inherited from South African administration (1915–1990), functions as a practical in trade and rural interactions, especially among mixed-age groups, despite lacking official status. persists among ~1% of households, tied to pre-1915 colonial settlers' descendants. and English education have shifted younger cohorts toward , but rural isolation sustains dominance, with low English fluency (e.g., 98% of teachers reportedly undertrained in it as of early 2010s assessments). This diversity underscores ethnic fragmentation, complicating governance but enriching oral traditions and identity.

Religious composition and practices

Approximately 97 percent of Namibia's identifies as , according to a 2015 survey cited in the U.S. State Department's 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom. Within , constitutes the largest denomination, with church statistics indicating around 50 percent affiliation, followed by at approximately 20 percent. , , and other Protestant groups, including Seventh-day Adventists and Methodists, account for the remainder, with Pentecostal and charismatic churches experiencing growth in recent decades. Traditional African religions persist among certain ethnic groups, particularly the Himba and , involving ancestor veneration and nature-based rituals, though often blended with Christian elements in syncretic practices such as those in . These indigenous beliefs emphasize communal ceremonies for rain-making, healing, and rites of passage, but their standalone adherence is estimated at under 10 percent due to widespread since the 19th century. Minority faiths include (around 0.3 percent, concentrated in urban areas like ), Judaism, Baha'i, and , practiced by small immigrant or convert communities. The religiously unaffiliated comprise about 2 percent. Namibia's establishes a with , allowing public practice without state interference, though Christian holidays like (December 25) and dominate the calendar. Christian worship typically involves Sunday services, hymn-singing, and study in Lutheran and Catholic churches, while Pentecostal groups emphasize charismatic elements like and . Syncretic practices in rural areas may incorporate traditional or animal sacrifices alongside , reflecting historical influences from and Lutherans during colonial times. Interfaith tensions are minimal, but evangelical growth has occasionally led to debates over prosperity gospel teachings in economically challenged communities.

Education: access, quality, and outcomes

Namibia's education system provides free and compulsory primary and junior for children aged 6 to 16, resulting in a primary net enrollment rate of 97.8% as of 2023. This encompasses 615,634 learners in primary schools, reflecting sustained government investment since in 1990 to expand access, particularly in rural areas where gaps persist. Adult stands at 92%, with youth at 95%, supported by expanded schooling and initiatives that have boosted foundational skills. gross enrollment is 19%, exceeding the sub-Saharan African average, though regional and gender disparities remain, with lower rates in remote northern and eastern regions. Quality indicators reveal mixed progress, with 95.5% of primary teachers and 97.2% of secondary teachers qualified as of recent data, alongside an increase in from 1,826 in 2016 to 1,964. However, pupil-teacher ratios exceed targets, often reaching 35-40 in primary classes and up to 50 in secondary, straining instructional delivery and contributing to high repetition rates of 17.2% in Grade 1, 19% in Grade 4, and 21.9% in Grade 8. Infrastructure challenges, including overcrowded classrooms and limited resources in rural , hinder effective , while Namibia has utilized regional assessments like SACMEQ to inform reforms rather than benchmarks such as or TIMSS. Educational outcomes lag despite access gains, with skills mismatches driving high rates exceeding 40% for university completers amid an overall figure of 36.9%. Over-education relative to labor market demands, coupled with insufficient vocational alignment, results in many skilled workers remaining jobless, as evidenced by tracer studies showing persistent among 2015-2016 cohorts. To address this, the government announced free tuition at public universities and vocational centers starting in , aiming to boost enrollment and relevance without resolving underlying quality deficits.

Health challenges: HIV/AIDS, sanitation, and public welfare

Namibia faces a persistent HIV epidemic, with an adult prevalence rate of approximately 11% among those aged 15-49 as of 2023, ranking among the highest globally. This equates to over 230,000 people living with HIV, contributing significantly to mortality and straining public health resources. The virus remains a leading cause of death, particularly affecting women and children; recent Ministry of Health data indicate more than 7,000 children under 15 are living with HIV. Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy coverage, reaching about 95% of diagnosed cases, new infections persist due to factors including multiple sexual partnerships and limited prevention uptake in high-risk groups. Stigma, especially toward key populations like men who have sex with men (prevalence 7.8%), hinders testing and treatment adherence. Sanitation deficiencies exacerbate health risks, with roughly 40% of households lacking access to improved facilities, leading to widespread affecting over a million people. Informal settlements, home to 40% of the , suffer acutely from inadequate , resulting in annual economic losses of N$4.5 billion from , , and () failures. Poor drives diarrheal diseases, a major killer of children, compounding and stunting rates that affect nearly 30% of under-fives. Urban-rural disparities persist, with urban areas achieving 88% improved coverage versus lower rural rates, despite national strategies like the 2022-2027 Sanitation and Hygiene Plan aiming for universal access. Public welfare challenges in health stem from high inequality and resource constraints, despite government expenditure comprising about 6-7% of GDP on health services. Life expectancy stands at 65.2 years as of 2024, reflecting gains from HIV management but lagging sub-Saharan averages due to infectious diseases and non-communicable conditions. Infant mortality remains elevated at 38.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023, driven by preventable causes like preterm births and infections linked to poor sanitation and maternal HIV. Staff shortages and uneven distribution plague the system, with rural clinics understaffed amid urban overcrowding, while social grants (4.5% of GDP) mitigate poverty's health impacts but fail to address unemployment at 37%. COVID-19 disruptions further eroded immunization and maternal care, underscoring vulnerabilities in a system reliant on donor aid for sustainability.

Culture

Indigenous traditions and oral histories

The of Namibia, particularly the San, Nama, Herero, and Ovambo, have historically transmitted cultural knowledge, genealogies, moral codes, and historical events through oral narratives rather than written records, a practice that persists among many communities despite influences from and modernization. These traditions serve as repositories of environmental wisdom, social norms, and cosmological explanations, often recited by elders during communal gatherings, rituals, or initiations to ensure intergenerational continuity. Among the San, also known as Bushmen, oral lore emphasizes adaptations and animistic beliefs, with myths featuring deities like /Kaggen, a figure who embodies , , and moral lessons through tales involving animals such as the , revered as /Kaggen's favored creature. Stories of human-animal metamorphoses, including transformations, illustrate themes of power, predation, and harmony with nature, often linked to trance dances and dating back over 25,000 years in regions like Brandberg. These narratives educate on survival , such as resource and environmental , and are performed rhetorically in group settings to reinforce social cohesion. The Nama, pastoralists in southern Namibia, maintain oral histories that chronicle migrations, clan lineages, and interactions with landscapes, often embedded in songs and recitations that preserve pre-colonial territorial knowledge and resistance narratives. Their traditions highlight communal and ancestral guidance, with elders invoking historical precedents during disputes or ceremonies to legitimize customs. Herero oral traditions, conveyed in the Otjiherero language, focus on cattle-centric cosmology and patrilineal ancestry tracing back to figures like Mukuru, the primordial ancestor, through proverbs, epics, and praise poems that encode , leadership genealogies, and ecological management. These accounts, gathered via fieldwork, reveal socio-political histories, including pre-colonial alliances and responses to environmental shifts, underscoring as symbols of wealth and spiritual continuity. Ovambo communities in northern Namibia rely on to document royal lineages, sacred rituals involving stones for kingship validation, and ethical proverbs that guide agrarian and social practices, with narratives often performed in idiomatic Oshiwambo expressions during festivals or councils. This oral corpus, diminishing with elder attrition as of the late , integrates cosmological elements like ancestor veneration while adapting to historical upheavals.

Visual arts, crafts, and literature

Namibia's tradition includes ancient rock paintings created by the , with over 1,200 sites documented across the country, primarily depicting motifs such as animals and human figures that reflect prehistoric lifestyles. Contemporary draw from these indigenous roots, incorporating traditional techniques into modern paintings, , textiles, ceramics, and jewelry, as showcased in exhibitions like namibiArt. The National Art Gallery of Namibia highlights artists blending ethnic influences with current styles, fostering a scene that emphasizes cultural narratives and landscapes. Indigenous crafts remain central to ethnic identities, featuring wood carvings by the and intricate basketry produced by the Ovambo, often using natural fibers for utilitarian and decorative purposes. Himba and Herero women create jewelry from beads and metals, alongside traditional attire like voluminous Herero dresses with vibrant patterns, which symbolize and continuity. These crafts, sold at local markets and galleries, preserve skills passed through generations, though commercialization has introduced synthetic materials in some items. Namibian literature has transitioned from among indigenous groups to a post-independence written tradition, with English as the primary language for published works. Key authors include Neshani Andreas (1964–2011), whose novel The Purple Violet of Oshaantu (2009) explores rural women's lives and was the first Namibian entry in the . Joseph Diescho's Born of the Sun (1991) addresses apartheid-era struggles, while contemporary voices like Rémy Ngamije, through the Doek Literary Magazine founded in 2019, promote short fiction reflecting urban and diasporic experiences. Other contributors such as Lydia Shaketange and Jane Katjavivi focus on historical and social themes, though the field remains limited, with fewer than a dozen major novels published by local authors since 1990.

Music, dance, and performing arts

Namibia's musical traditions are predominantly acoustic and tied to ethnic practices, with stringed instruments like musical bows prevailing over percussion, reflecting the country's arid environments and histories among groups such as the . The San utilize gut pluriarcs (bow lutes), hunting bows, and sitengenas (thumb pianos) accompanied by vocal elements in ritual and social contexts. Nama communities emphasize ancestral sounds through musical bows, accordions, or guitars, producing distinctive melodies and rhythms for ceremonies invoking heritage. Traditional dances vary by ethnic group and serve ceremonial, initiatory, or communal functions, often performed collectively with rhythmic stamping, clapping, and instrumental support from , lamellophones, or horns. The Nama "stap" dance features synchronized footwork and is showcased during commemorations like Genocide Remembrance Day. Ovambo (Oshivambo) and Herero dances incorporate vigorous movements symbolizing strength and unity, while Kavango groups in the Okavango region perform s preserving social narratives through group formations. San Bushman dances hold spiritual significance, involving trance-inducing rhythms to connect with ancestors. Contemporary performing arts blend these traditions with global influences, centered in Windhoek's National Theatre of Namibia, which hosts symphony orchestras, youth choirs, and showcases featuring , brass bands, and devised theater. The University of Namibia's annual Showcase highlights emerging talents in music, , and , including choral and musical theater productions. Namibia's music scene features genres like , pop, and , with prominent artists such as Gazza, The Dogg, and Lady May achieving regional acclaim through albums addressing social themes and blending Oshiwambo lyrics with urban beats. These developments, supported by events like live concerts at the National Theatre, foster national identity amid influences from South African and international styles.

Media landscape and freedom of expression

Namibia's media landscape encompasses public, private, and community outlets operating in radio, television, print, and digital formats, with radio serving as the primary news source due to its accessibility in rural areas. The state-owned (NBC) dominates national broadcasting, providing multiple radio stations and television channels that reach a significant portion of the population. Private radio networks, such as Future Media, compete effectively, while print media includes independent dailies like and state-linked publications such as New Era. Digital platforms are growing amid increasing penetration, though print outlets face challenges from rising distribution costs and a shift to online consumption. Freedom of expression is constitutionally protected under Article 21 of Namibia's 1990 Constitution, which explicitly includes " and expression, which shall include and other ." In the 2025 (RSF) , Namibia ranked 28th globally and second in , reflecting relatively strong legal safeguards and journalistic autonomy compared to regional peers. Public surveys indicate high confidence in press freedom, with 78% of Namibians in a 2024 Afrobarometer poll expressing trust that the media can report freely without fear of reprisal, even ahead of elections. Despite these strengths, challenges persist from media ownership concentration, which can limit viewpoint diversity. The controls , potentially incentivizing favorable coverage of ruling policies, while private conglomerates like Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) own multiple newspapers, including Namibian Sun and Die Republikein, fostering . Such structures raise risks of on sensitive topics like corruption or , though direct remains rare. Additionally, the absence of comprehensive cyberharassment or data-protection laws exposes journalists to online threats, and state capabilities enable monitoring without robust oversight. Namibia's police force has incorporated training on freedom of expression since 2024 to mitigate tensions during reporting on protests or elections.

Sports and national identity

Football, the most popular sport in Namibia, serves as a primary vehicle for national unity, with the Brave Warriors national team drawing widespread support across ethnic groups and symbolizing collective resilience since independence in 1990. The sport's grassroots appeal, evidenced by high attendance at domestic leagues and international qualifiers, has been leveraged for social initiatives, such as tournaments addressing gender-based violence, underscoring its role in community cohesion beyond competition. Despite limited international successes, such as early exits from Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, the team's participation fosters a shared sense of Namibian identity in a nation marked by linguistic and cultural diversity. Rugby union, introduced during South African administration and retained post-independence, embodies perseverance in Namibian sports culture, with the national team qualifying for every since 1999. Iconic matches, including a record 142-0 defeat to in 2003, highlight the challenges faced by the under-resourced squad, yet domestic participation—spanning 99 years of history—reinforces pride among players and fans, particularly in and coastal regions. Recent victories, like an 86-29 win over the in July 2025 during World Cup qualifiers, demonstrate growing competitiveness and bolster national morale. Government-backed efforts, such as the August 2024 unveiling of a national sports supporters' jersey, explicitly aim to brand Namibia through athletics and cultivate unity, reflecting sports' strategic use in amid post-colonial . Other disciplines like and athletics contribute through standout athletes, including paralympian Johanna Benson's 2012 gold and silver medals in the T37 100m and 200m events, marking Namibia's first Paralympic podium finishes and inspiring youth across rural and urban divides. While funding constraints have hindered elite development—evident in modest global rankings—these pursuits remain integral to forging a cohesive national narrative, prioritizing participation over dominance.

References

  1. [1]
    Namibia - The World Factbook - CIA
    Sep 17, 2025 · Namibia ; Geography. Location · Geographic coordinates · Map references · Area ; People and Society. Population · Nationality · Ethnic groups ...
  2. [2]
    Namibia country profile - BBC News
    Dec 10, 2024 · REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA: FACTS · Capital: Windhoek · Area: 825,615 sq km · Population: 2.8 million · Languages: English, Afrikaans, German, Otjiherero, ...
  3. [3]
    The Namibian struggle for independence – 1966 – 1990
    Jun 29, 2015 · It took 24 years of revolt and warfare for Namibia to gain its independence from South Africa. During the years of revolt and warfare, 1966 – 1990, between 20 ...
  4. [4]
    Country Info | Namibia
    Capital Windhoek, with a population of 183 000 (1996 estimate), is Namibia's administrative, judicial and legislative capital. Main Towns Oshakati, Walvis ...
  5. [5]
    Namibia Overview: Development news, research, data | World Bank
    Sep 30, 2025 · Namibia is an arid country located on the west coast of Southern Africa. Characterized by vast semi-desert landscapes covering 825,229 ...
  6. [6]
    https://www.statista.com/statistics/510126/gross-domestic-product-gdp-per-capita-in-namibia/
  7. [7]
    GDP per capita, PPP (current international $) - Namibia | Data
    GDP per capita, PPP (current international $) - Namibia from The World Bank: Data.
  8. [8]
    Namibia | BMZ
    Its name is derived from the Namib Desert, which covers the entire coastal strip of this very sparsely populated country. Namibia is almost two and a half times ...
  9. [9]
    Namibia Country Information - AARDY.com
    Rating 4.9 (40,257) The following Namibia Information should help you make the most of your trip to Namibia. ... etymology: named for the coastal Namib Desert; the name "namib" means ...
  10. [10]
    Namibia Facts, Worksheets, Motto, Flag & Capital City For Kids
    Apr 22, 2021 · ETYMOLOGY · The oldest desert in the world, the Namib Desert, is where the name of the country Namibia is derived. · The word Namib is a Nama word ...<|separator|>
  11. [11]
    How Namibia came to have its name - Face2Face Africa
    Sep 26, 2020 · The new name, Republic of Namib, was proposed by Mburumba Kerina, a student of the first Indonesian president, Sukarno. And it was the latter ...
  12. [12]
    The Man Who Named Namibia- Mburumba Kerina - The Namibian
    Sep 9, 2014 · He is the man who coined the name 'Namibia'. Previously known as Eric William Getzen, Mburumba Kerina decided to change his name after understanding where it ...
  13. [13]
    Reflections on the life and death of Professor Mburumba Kerina
    (He had suggested that the country be known as the Republic of Namib and that the nationalism be called Namibianism. It was a name that evolved into Namibia and ...
  14. [14]
    SAN PEOPLE: THE WORLD MOST ANCIENT RACE
    The San 'Bushmen' also known as Khwe, Sho, and Basarwa are the oldest inhabitants of southern Africa, where they have lived for at least 20,000 years.
  15. [15]
    Rock paintings from Namibia in Africa - Don's Maps
    The rock engravings, more prevalent in some areas than others, have been found to be from 2 000 to 6 000 years old, and some paintings have been found to be 27 ...
  16. [16]
    [PDF] San Peoples Create Earliest African Art - Salem Press
    The earliest known examples of San rock art were dis- covered at a rock shelter known as the Apollo 11 Cave, located in the Huns Mountains of southern Namibia.
  17. [17]
    Namibia | World Civilization - Lumen Learning
    Until about 2,000 years ago, they were the only inhabitants in Namibia, but around that time the Nama (also known as Namaqua), the Khoikhoi, and the Hottentots ...
  18. [18]
    5-//Khauxa!nas in the Context of Namibian History
    These peoples were the various San (Bushmen) groups [4], Khoisan (Nama) and most probably also !Nu-khoen (Dama or black people), and later on, coming from the ...<|separator|>
  19. [19]
    Where did Namibia's indigenous people live before Europeans ...
    Jun 24, 2024 · The only Indigenous group that we can say truly lived "everywhere" in Namibia is the Damara who lived as far south as the Northern Cape in South Africa.
  20. [20]
    Ovambo people - AFRICA | 101 Last Tribes
    The Ovambo people also called Aawambo, Ambo, Ovawambo are a Bantu ethnic group native to Southern Africa, primarily modern Namibia.
  21. [21]
    Southern African States | Boundless World History - Lumen Learning
    The Ovambo constitute the largest ethnic group and a majority of the population in today's Namibia. During the 17th century, the Herero, a pastoral, nomadic ...<|separator|>
  22. [22]
    History of Namibia | Far and Wild Travel
    Sep 10, 2020 · More recently, the modern-day tribes of Namibia, namely the Ovambo, Kavango, Himba and Herero, all Bantu speaking people migrated here from ...
  23. [23]
    Namibia | Early World Civilizations - Lumen Learning
    Not much is known about pre-colonial Namibia, but evidence suggests that a number of diverse peoples settled there as a result of ancient, medieval, and modern ...
  24. [24]
    German South West Africa | Colonial Rule, League of ... - Britannica
    Background. The areas of German South West Africa (now Namibia) were formally colonized by Germany between 1884–90. The semiarid territory was more than twice ...Missing: period | Show results with:period
  25. [25]
    The Deutsche Reich as Colonial Power - History of Namibia
    ... 1884 declared South West Africa to be a German protectorate. The German Empire showed its preparedness to protect the region by sending three warships to ...
  26. [26]
    Germany declares South West Africa a German protectorate
    Mar 16, 2011 · This Day in History: 13 October 1884. Deutsch-Südwestafrika (German South West Africa), established its capitol at Otjimbingwe in 1885, ...
  27. [27]
    https://historyguild.org/german-imperalism/
  28. [28]
    [PDF] German Colonialism in Africa and the Pacific, 1884-1914
    The majority of imports were absorbed by the settler colony of South-West Africa after 1905. It shows that most import commodities were textiles, representing ...
  29. [29]
    Germany and the Herero | World History - Lumen Learning
    During the Scramble for Africa, South-West Africa was claimed by Germany in August 1884. German colonists arriving in the following years occupied large areas ...Key Points · Key Terms · Colonization And ConflictMissing: facts | Show results with:facts
  30. [30]
    Herero Genocide in Namibia - Montreal Holocaust Museum
    Between 1904 and 1908, more than 80% of the Herero population and 50% of the Nama population of Namibia was wiped out by German soldiers.
  31. [31]
    German-Herero conflict of 1904–07 - Britannica
    German-Herero conflict of 1904–07, the conflict between the Herero people and German colonial troops in German South West Africa in 1904 and the ensuing ...
  32. [32]
    Namibia – The Herero and Nama - World Without Genocide
    Apr 28, 2025 · German colonial forces committed a genocide against the indigenous Herero and Nama people in South West Africa from 1904 to 1908, in the earliest genocide of ...
  33. [33]
    Germany officially recognises colonial-era Namibia genocide - BBC
    May 28, 2021 · German colonisers killed tens of thousands of Herero and Nama people there in early 20th Century massacres. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said his ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  34. [34]
    South-West African campaign | National Army Museum
    On 9 July 1915, enemy forces in German South-West Africa (now Namibia) surrendered to the Allies. This marked the final stage of a short but successful campaign ...Missing: administration 1915-1990 history
  35. [35]
    Namibia - South African History Online
    Sep 27, 2025 · South African occupation started in May 1915 when General Louis Botha, first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, ordered 40 000 South ...
  36. [36]
    Sub-Saharan Africa 1922: League of Nations Mandates - Omniatlas
    South West Africa was designated a Class C Mandate—to be administered as an integral territory—and assigned to South Africa in December 1920.
  37. [37]
    Historical Documents - Office of the Historian
    ... Africa continues to have the international obligations laid down in Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations and in the mandate for Southwest Africa,.
  38. [38]
    South Africa's Military Presence in South West Africa 1915-1980
    Dec 19, 2020 · The present treatise begins with the invasion of the South African military into German South-West Africa in 1915 and ends with the establishment of the ...
  39. [39]
    Laws of Namibia – Global Legal Collection Highlights
    Mar 19, 2015 · Namibia was colonized and occupied by foreign powers for over a century: First by Germany (1884-1915, during which it was known as German South-West Africa)
  40. [40]
    History of the Anti Apartheid Movement and their work for Namibia
    SWAPO won a majority in democratic elections held in November 1989 and Namibia celebrated its independence on 21 March 1990. Meeting SWAPO leaders Aaron ...
  41. [41]
    International Status of South West Africa
    The Court held that the dissolution of the League of Nations and its supervisory machinery had not entailed the lapse of the Mandate, and that the mandatory ...
  42. [42]
    United Nations Revokes South African Mandate over South-West ...
    The United Nations stripped South Africa of authority over the South-West Africa mandate, formally transferring administration to a U.N. committee in 1967.
  43. [43]
    The End of Apartheid - Office of the Historian
    When South Africa reached a multilateral agreement in 1988 to end its occupation of Namibia in return for a Cuban withdrawal from Angola, even the most ardent ...
  44. [44]
    Namibia Is Liberated from South African Control | Research Starters
    The liberation of Namibia from South African control culminated in its independence on March 21, 1990, marking a significant milestone in the country's history.
  45. [45]
    The South African Border War: Considered to Be South Africa's ...
    Nov 22, 2022 · After the First World War, the German territory of South West Africa (now Namibia) was ceded to South African control.
  46. [46]
    [PDF] Resolution 435 (1978) - UN Peacemaker
    Declares that all unilateral measures taken by the illegal administration in Namibia in relation to the electoral process, including unilateral registration of.
  47. [47]
    Voters Go to the Polls for Namibia's Pre-Independence Elections
    In November 1989, 23 years after the United Nations terminated South Africa's mandate to administer Namibia, the Territory took its first step towards ...
  48. [48]
    NAMIBIA: parliamentary elections National Assembly, 1989
    Elections were held for all the seats of the Constituent Assembly. Under the terms of the transitional provisions of the 1990 Constitution, this same body ...
  49. [49]
    Namibia Rebel Group Wins Vote, But It Falls Short of Full Control
    Nov 15, 1989 · The South-West Africa People's Organization, which waged a long guerrilla war against South African rule, was declared the winner today in the first elections ...
  50. [50]
    Namibia celebrates independence heroes, but glosses over a ...
    Aug 25, 2025 · Since independence in 1990, the heroic Swapo liberation narrative has also been inscribed in Heroes' Acre, a monument built by North Korea.
  51. [51]
    Namibia 1990 (rev. 2010) - Constitute Project
    The Republic of Namibia is hereby established as a sovereign, secular, democratic and unitary State founded upon the principles of democracy, the rule of ...Missing: consolidation | Show results with:consolidation
  52. [52]
    https://oxfordre.com/africanhistory/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190277734.001.0001/acrefore-9780190277734-e-1127
  53. [53]
    Namibia - Independence, Colonization, Apartheid - Britannica
    Namibia remained a member of the Southern African Customs Union. The political climate was calm. The main opposition party, the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance ( ...
  54. [54]
    Namibia: grown up after a generation into independence, but not yet ...
    Mar 16, 2017 · Independence was finally achieved on March 21, 1990 after a long and violent anti-colonial struggle. Since then, Namibia has shown remarkable ...
  55. [55]
    Sam Nujoma: liberation hero, pragmatist and power broker
    Feb 17, 2025 · Namibia's founding president led the fight for independence with unwavering resolve, but his legacy is complicated by economic compromises and political ...
  56. [56]
    History of Namibia - Britannica
    Namibia before colonization. The earliest Namibians were San, nomadic peoples with a survival-oriented culture based on hunting and gathering.
  57. [57]
    Namibia: Recent Economic Developments in - IMF eLibrary
    Jan 15, 1998 · Since the early 1990s, average GDP growth has been higher than in the previous decade, owing to the opening of two new diamond mines, the ...
  58. [58]
    [PDF] A Growth Diagnostic of Namibia
    After an initial decade marked by nation building and slow growth (1990-2000), the Namibian economy embarked on a rapid growth acceleration that lasted 15 ...
  59. [59]
    [PDF] The Impact of Mining sector to the Namibia economy
    In Namibia, the sector has been and remains the backbone of the economy as reflected by its average annual economic growth, contribution to GDP, job creation, ...
  60. [60]
    Land reform in Namibia: economic versus socio-political rationale
    Since 1990, the Namibian Government has devoted itself, among other major issues, to a wide-ranging land reform programme with the main objective of ...
  61. [61]
    (PDF) Taking stock of land reform in Namibia from 1990 to 2005
    This article contends that land reform in Namibia has been a minor issue and was always unlikely to compromise the political stability that has led to Namibia's ...
  62. [62]
    Prevalence of HIV, total (% of population ages 15-49) - Namibia | Data
    Prevalence of HIV, total (% of population ages 15-49) - Namibia. UNAIDS estimates, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS ( UNAIDS ), uri: aidsinfo ...
  63. [63]
    Incidence of HIV in Windhoek, Namibia: Demographic and Socio ...
    Oct 4, 2011 · Since 1996, AIDS has been the leading cause of death and contributed to a drop in life expectancy from 65 to 61 years, between 1990 and 20081.
  64. [64]
    Namibian presidential election won by Swapo's Hage Geingob - BBC
    Dec 1, 2014 · The candidate of Namibia's governing party, Prime Minister Hage Geingob, has won the country's presidential elections, taking 87% of the vote.
  65. [65]
    National Assembly (November 2014) | Election results | Namibia
    The SWAPO Party, in power since independence in 1990, retained a two-thirds majority, taking 77 of the 96 directly elected seats in the 104-member National ...
  66. [66]
    Incumbent Geingob wins Namibia presidential election with 56.3 ...
    Dec 2, 2019 · Namibia's incumbent President Hage Geingob has won the 2019 presidential election with 56.3% of the vote, the Electoral Commission of ...
  67. [67]
    Namibia National Assembly November 2019 | Election results
    President Hage Geingob's SWAPO Party lost its two-thirds majority in the 104-member National Assembly (see note), winning 63 seats, down from 77 in 2014.
  68. [68]
    Fishrot: The corruption scandal entwining Namibia and Iceland - BBC
    Feb 26, 2023 · In the Fishrot scandal, a number of prominent politicians and businessmen are accused of running schemes to get control of valuable fishing ...
  69. [69]
    Hage Geingob, Namibia's President, Dies at 82 - The New York Times
    Feb 3, 2024 · Hage Geingob, Namibia's President, Dies at 82 ... Mr. Geingob had also been Namibia's first prime minister after the country gained independence ...
  70. [70]
    Hage Geingob death: Namibia's new President Mbumba ... - BBC
    Feb 4, 2024 · Hage Geingob death: Namibia's new President Mbumba sworn-in hours after predecessor dies. 4 February 2024. Share. Save. Wycliffe Muia & Damian ...
  71. [71]
    Namibia elects Nandi-Ndaitwah as first female president - Reuters
    Dec 3, 2024 · Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia's ruling SWAPO party has been elected president and will be the country's first female leader, results ...
  72. [72]
    Namibia's first woman president takes the helm | ISS Africa
    Mar 21, 2025 · Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will be sworn in as the country's president, having won the November 2024 presidential elections for the South West Africa People's ...
  73. [73]
    Namibia elects first female president in disputed poll - BBC
    Dec 4, 2024 · Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah wins with 57% of the vote but her rival said there was electoral malpractice.
  74. [74]
    Namibia: Selected Issues in - IMF eLibrary
    Jun 17, 2025 · Navigating Weather Shocks: Challenges and Investing to Strengthen Agriculture Resilience in Namibia. Namibia's arid climate makes it highly ...
  75. [75]
    IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with ...
    Jun 17, 2025 · Namibia's economic growth decelerated from 5.4 percent in 2022 to 3.7 percent in 2024 as a decline in production in response to lower diamond prices outweighed ...
  76. [76]
    Namibia election: president wins second term despite scandal and ...
    Nov 30, 2019 · Hage Geingob re-elected but ruling party takes hit at the polls, with two-thirds parliamentary majority whittled down.
  77. [77]
    Geography of Namibia - Original Travel
    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, ...
  78. [78]
    Namibia Elevation extremes - Geography - IndexMundi
    Sep 18, 2021 · Namibia Elevation extremes ; highest point: Konigstein on Brandberg 2,573 m ; lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m ; mean elevation: 1,141 m.
  79. [79]
    Fish River Canyon - The world's second largest canyon - Info-Namibia
    The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon, 161 km long, 27 km wide, and up to 550m deep, with a hiking trail closed in summer.
  80. [80]
    NamibiaNAM - Country Overview | Climate Change Knowledge Portal
    The Köppen system is based on defined temperature and precipitation thresholds and changes in these variables over time can cause a region to shift from one ...
  81. [81]
    Namibia climate: average weather, temperature, rain, when to go
    The rainiest area of Namibia is the north-east, where rainfall ranges from ... Total annual rainfall is 370 mm (14.5 in), so the climate is arid, but ...
  82. [82]
    Rainfall patterns | Atlas of Namibia
    Average rainfall within 40 kilometres of the coast is less than 20 millimetres per year, and most of this typically falls for short periods on only a few rainy ...
  83. [83]
    Namibia Weather & Climate (+ Climate Chart) - Safari Bookings
    Month, Min, Max. January, 17 °C / 63 °F, 30 °C / 86 °F. February, 17 °C / 63 °F, 29 °C / 84 °F. March, 15 °C / 59 °F, 27 °C / 81 °F. April, 13 °C / 55 °F ...
  84. [84]
    Namibia's Drought Crisis: Building Resilience for Women and Girls
    Jan 30, 2025 · Communities in the Kavango West region of northern Namibia, particularly women and girls, are facing the worst drought in a hundred years.Missing: desertification | Show results with:desertification
  85. [85]
    Protecting the natural environment and using it sustainably | BMZ
    Much of the soil in Namibia is at risk of erosion. Water in general is scarce and the country's water resources are not managed sustainably. Large stretches of ...
  86. [86]
    A review on water security and management under climate change ...
    Of the driest countries on the African continent, Namibia is the most arid in Southern Africa and water scarcity is perhaps its greatest challenge.Missing: desertification | Show results with:desertification
  87. [87]
    List of Namibian endemic species - Namibia Biodiversity Database
    Aug 3, 2021 · List of Namibian endemic species. At least 3918 species are known to occur exclusively in Namibia, and nowhere else on earth.
  88. [88]
    Endemism in Namibia: patterns, processes and predictions
    Most plant, invertebrate, amphibian, reptile, mammal and bird species endemic to Namibia are found in a zone running through, and to the west of, Namibia's ...Missing: counts | Show results with:counts
  89. [89]
    Namibia's Animals and People | WWF - World Wildlife Fund
    Namibia is home to biodiversity hot spots and a rich variety of life, including almost 4,000 endemic species, those found in Namibia and nowhere else.<|separator|>
  90. [90]
    Namibia - Country Profile - Convention on Biological Diversity
    Population numbers for Namibian plains game species (e.g. oryx, springbok, kudu), as well as rare and endemic species (e.g. Hartmann's zebra, black-faced impala) ...
  91. [91]
    Wildlife Populations - Community Conservation Namibia
    The graphs show total estimated populations of three indicator species: gemsbok, springbok and zebra, from aerial censuses prior to the year 2000.
  92. [92]
    Overview of National Parks
    Namibia has 20 state run protected areas coverring about 17 per cent of the country's land surface, which exceeds the mean PA coverage per nation of 12.2 per ...
  93. [93]
    Namibia - Protected Planet
    Terrestrial and inland waters protected area coverage. 39.92% Coverage. 328,926km2 Land area covered. 823,998km2 Total land area. 16.70% 5th National Report ...
  94. [94]
    Conserving wildlife and enabling communities in Namibia
    WWF supports Namibia's community-led conservancies, helping protect wildlife and generate income while restoring black rhinos, lions, and elephants.Missing: key | Show results with:key
  95. [95]
    [PDF] The State of Community Conservation in Namibia
    86 established conservancies, covering more than 20% of the country, are home to critically endangered black rhino, desert-dwelling lions, elephants, and a host ...
  96. [96]
    Local management and governance improve natural resource ...
    Apr 30, 2025 · Conservancies earning >$0 income generated a median annual $60,518 since 2011 and $50,283 since 2019 (17% less than during 2011–2022), which ...
  97. [97]
    Conservancies in Namibia need to look beyond tourism to drive ...
    Jul 17, 2023 · Conservancy members receive 30% of the hunting package in the form of conservancy salaries, community benefits, hunting staff salaries and human ...<|separator|>
  98. [98]
    Climate change tests the wildlife conservation model in Namibia
    Aug 22, 2025 · Namibia's 723-animal quota (a cull also took place in Zimbabwe) included 83 elephants, 300 zebras, 100 elands, 100 blue wildebeest, 60 buffalos, ...
  99. [99]
    Lessons on the Community Conservancy Model for Wildlife ...
    Aug 28, 2022 · We confirmed success factors for conservancies include: investment and revenues, strong governance and support from NGOs, as has been identified ...Missing: statistics | Show results with:statistics
  100. [100]
    Secured Urban Water Supply for the City of Windhoek, Namibia
    Mar 22, 2023 · Namibia's estimated total renewable freshwater resources are a meager 422.5 MCM per year, and at current rates of demand, they are projected to ...
  101. [101]
    Namibia Water Use, Resources and Precipitation - Worldometer
    Renewable Water Resources. 40 billion m³/year. Total Renewable Water Resources (2017) ; Water Resources per Capita. 15,750 m³/person/year. Renewable Water per ...Missing: 2023 | Show results with:2023
  102. [102]
    [PDF] Assessment of Water Resources Management
    88% of Namibia's water potential lies in its perennial rivers on its northern and southern borders. 80+% of its land area relies solely on groundwater. Figure 3 ...
  103. [103]
    Groundwater Management in the North of Namibia - Genesys-Projekt
    The amount of stored groundwater in the KOH-2 Aquifer on the Namibian side is very conservatively calculated to 20 billion m³. Recharge to the KOH-2 is highly ...
  104. [104]
    Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System (STAS) - ORASECOM WIS
    The Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System (STAS) is the only permanent and dependable water resource for the local population living in an area that covers ...<|separator|>
  105. [105]
    IAEA Supports Improved Aquifer Management in Climate Change ...
    Aug 10, 2021 · Assessing aquifers​​ Through the improved knowledge of groundwater dynamics, experts in Namibia will be able to manage water resources better and ...
  106. [106]
    Hydrological Services | NamWater Ltd
    Namibia has 18 dams with Hardab being the largest at the moment with a capacity of 294 mil m3. The Neckartal Dam is nearing completion and will become the ...
  107. [107]
    Pipelines and canals | Atlas of Namibia
    Water is pumped from the Zambezi, Okavango, Kunene and Orange rivers and used to supply nearby towns, industry and irrigation schemes.
  108. [108]
    Erongo desalination plant a national asset - New Era Namibia
    Jun 17, 2025 · The Erongo Desalination Plant, one of Namibia's key strategic water assets, marked its 15 years in existence on Friday.<|separator|>
  109. [109]
    Chinese firm and NamWater to build Namibia's largest desalination ...
    Sep 10, 2024 · Once completed, the plant will produce up to 25 million cubic meters of water annually. NamWater stated that the project will be financed by ...
  110. [110]
    Africa's largest desalination plant will be built in Namibia
    Sep 8, 2024 · The plant, located in the Erongo region, is poised to deliver up to 25 million cubic metres of desalinated water annually upon completion in 2026.
  111. [111]
    Namibia to build second desalination plant in January | Reuters
    Jun 27, 2024 · Approval for a second desalination plant with a capacity of about 20 million cubic metres has been granted, and the plant is expected to be ...
  112. [112]
    Pilot rural desalination plants using renewable power and ...
    Sep 27, 2021 · The project pilots reverse osmosis (RO) treatment of poor groundwater using sun and wind energy to meet drinking water standards.
  113. [113]
    [PDF] Water-Resources-Management-Act-2004.pdf
    The Water Resources Management Act, 2004, aims to manage, develop, protect, conserve, and use water resources, and establish related bodies.
  114. [114]
    [PDF] NAMIBIA WATER SECURITY EXPERIENCE - The World Bank
    Jul 10, 2017 · Windhoek's water supply is 99%+ coverage, with 75% from surface water, 4% from boreholes, and 22% from reclaimed water. Dams were warned to be ...
  115. [115]
    Climate change tests the resilience of people and desert-adapted ...
    Aug 21, 2025 · Rainfall is expected to decline by 10-30% across different regions. Evaporation, drought, floods and fire risk will all increase.Missing: 2020-2025 | Show results with:2020-2025
  116. [116]
    Hydrogeology of Namibia - MediaWiki - BGS Earthwise
    Dec 19, 2023 · Aquifer management is often uncoordinated and water supply planning does not sufficiently include future developments. • A single borehole or ...
  117. [117]
    [PDF] 2023 Population and Housing Census - Namibia Statistics Agency
    population for the 2023 census year. The urban population was 1,512,685 compared to the rural population which recorded 1,509,716 people. The result ...
  118. [118]
    [PDF] 2023 Namibia Population and Housing Census Release of main ...
    Oct 30, 2024 · The population in urban areas increased by 67.4 percent between the 2011 and 2023 census. While the rural population increased by 24.8 percent.
  119. [119]
    https://www.statista.com/statistics/455894/urbanization-in-namibia/
  120. [120]
    Why is Namibia changing rapidly from a rural to an urban society?
    Let's start with circumstances in rural areas. Namibia has very little arable soil, let alone soil that is properly fertile. About half the country is covered ...Missing: characteristics | Show results with:characteristics
  121. [121]
    Namibia: Regions, Towns, Villages & Settlements - City Population
    (2001) (2011) (2023) Namibia Statistics Agency. Major Towns. Name, Adm. Population Census (Cf) 2023-09-24. 1, Windhoek, KHO, 486,186. 2, Rundu, KVE, 118,632. 3 ...
  122. [122]
    Rising from the Margins: Transforming Informal Settlements in Namibia
    Feb 27, 2024 · Nearly 40 per cent of Namibia's population lives in informal settlements, with little or no access to infrastructure and basic services.Missing: rate trends
  123. [123]
    [PDF] Overview of rural economic development in Namibia1
    The rural area in Namibia is underdeveloped and has higher poverty rates compared to the urban areas. Rural areas in Namibia have an electrification rate of 21 ...
  124. [124]
    Towards healthy environments and decent livelihoods
    Nov 10, 2023 · Two big challenges afflict Namibia: poverty and environmental degradation. Both problems are largely concentrated in rural areas where most people are poor.
  125. [125]
    Namibia 1990 (rev. 2014) - Constitute Project
    The Republic of Namibia is hereby established as a sovereign, secular, democratic and unitary State founded upon the principles of democracy, the rule of law ...<|separator|>
  126. [126]
    [PDF] Overview of the Namibian Constitution
    It came into force on the day that Namibia became an independent nation – 21 March 1990. HOW WAS NAMIBIA'S CONSTITUTION WRITTEN? Know Your Government. Factsheet ...
  127. [127]
    [PDF] Namibia's Constitution of 1990 with Amendments through 2010
    9. Parliament shall be entitled to make further laws not inconsistent with this Constitution regulating the acquisition or loss of Namibian citizenship.
  128. [128]
    Namibia: Government - globalEDGE
    Constitution: Adopted: 1990; Established a multi-party, presidential democracy seeking to overcome apartheid. In this constitution, presidency is required to be ...
  129. [129]
    ABOUT GOVERNMENT - Gov.na - Portal Ariel
    In accordance with the doctrine of separation of powers, the government is divided into three organs: The Executive; The Legislative; The Judiciary. Each organ ...
  130. [130]
    ABOUT NAMIBIA - MOJ - Portal Ariel
    The legislative branch is responsible for making laws which are implemented by the executive and interpreted by the judiciary branch. The President is the head ...
  131. [131]
    Chapter 5 - The President | Namibia - UN Member States
    The President shall be the Head of State and of the Government and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force. The executive power of the Republic of Namibia ...Missing: system | Show results with:system
  132. [132]
    [PDF] EXECUTIVE BRANCH Constitutional Framework
    Dec 10, 2013 · (2) The executive power of the Republic of Namibia shall vest in the President and the Cabinet. (3) Except as may be otherwise provided in this ...
  133. [133]
    Namibia has a new president, Nangolo Mbumba. - Good Authority
    Feb 5, 2024 · Nangolo Mbumba was sworn in as Namibia's interim president on Feb. 4, 2024, following the death of President Hage Geingob.
  134. [134]
    Namibia elects Nandi-Ndaitwah as country's first woman president
    Dec 3, 2024 · Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, won with 57 percent of the vote, flouting predictions that she might be forced into a run-off.
  135. [135]
    Chapter 7 - The National Assembly | Namibia - UN Member States
    The composition of the National Assembly shall be as follows: a) seventy-two (72) members to be elected by the registered voters by general, direct and secret ...
  136. [136]
    National Assembly - Parliament of Namibia
    The composition of the National Assembly shall be ninety-six (96) elected members (voting members) and eight (8) non-voting members, appointed by the President ...
  137. [137]
    Electoral system for national legislature - International IDEA
    The election of members in terms of Article 46(1)(a) hereof shall be on party lists and in accordance with the principles of proportional representation.
  138. [138]
    Electoral Commission of Namibia: Home
    The Electoral Commission of Namibia is mandated to: Direct and control all elections and referenda in terms of the Electoral Act; Supervise, ...Voter Education · About Us · By-Elections · RC & LA Elections Results 2015
  139. [139]
    National Council - Parliament of Namibia
    The National Council, or the Upper House of the Parliament of Namibia, was established after the first Regional Councils' Elections that were held in 1992.
  140. [140]
    Namibia: Freedom in the World 2024 Country Report
    While Namibia is a multiparty democracy, the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) has ruled since independence. Protections for civil liberties are ...<|separator|>
  141. [141]
    Namibia elections see declining support for ruling SWAPO - WSWS
    Dec 4, 2024 · The 2024 elections in mineral-rich Namibia have confirmed growing opposition to the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), ...
  142. [142]
    Constitution of Namibia - Chapter 9 - Orusovo
    CHAPTER 9. The Administration of Justice. Article 78 - The Judiciary. (1), The judicial power shall be vested in the Courts of Namibia, which shall consist of:.
  143. [143]
    [PDF] The structure of the Namibian judicial system and its relevance for ...
    (1) The judicial power shall be vested in the Courts of Namibia , which shall consist of: (a) a Supreme Court of Namibia ; (b) a High Court of Namibia ; (c) ...
  144. [144]
    Namibia | Judiciaries Worldwide - Federal Judicial Center |
    Namibia has a three-tier court system: the Supreme Court, High Court, and lower courts. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court hears appeals from the High Court, ...
  145. [145]
    [PDF] Judicial Branch: THE COURTS
    Decisions of a magistrate's court can be appealed to the High Court. Magistrates' courts are located throughout. Namibia. Other Lower Courts are community ...
  146. [146]
    Researching Namibian Law and the Namibian Legal System
    First, Article 1(3) separates state power into three organs, namely the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. The relationship between these three ...
  147. [147]
    [PDF] Understanding the Law of Namibia - Legal Assistance Centre
    There are four sources of law in Namibia: (1) statutes. (2) common law (3) customary law and (4) international law. These four kinds of law are explained in ...
  148. [148]
    Office of the Judiciary
    The establishment of the Office of the Judiciary reinforces the doctrine of separation of powers and independence of our Judiciary. The Office of the Judiciary ...
  149. [149]
    [PDF] Judicial Appointment in Namibia
    (2) At the request of the Chief Justice the President may appoint Acting. Judges of the Supreme Court to fill casual vacancies in the Court from time to time, ...
  150. [150]
    [PDF] The Magistrates Act of Namibia and the independence of magistrates
    To declare that the judiciary, including magistrates, are independent in terms of Article. 78 of the Namibian Constitution and that the Permanent Secretary has ...
  151. [151]
    Criminal case delays fail justice system – Noa - IPPR
    Members of the public with evidence implicating suspects of corruption but were not prepared to testify also failed the criminal justice system.Missing: Challenges | Show results with:Challenges
  152. [152]
    Justice for Fishrot Victims Once More Delayed | GAB
    Aug 12, 2025 · Thanks to a last-minute legal maneuver, defendants in Namibia's largest ever corruption case again escaped answering for their crimes.
  153. [153]
    [PDF] The State of the Judiciary - in Malawi, Namibia and South Africa
    For each jurisdiction we unpacked the hierarchy and structure of the judiciary, i.e., the Supreme Court of Appeal, Constitutional Court, High Court,.
  154. [154]
    Chapter 12 - Regional And Local Government | Namibia
    Each region shall be divided into constituencies the boundaries of which shall be fixed by the Delimitation Commission in accordance with the pro-visions of an ...Missing: divisions | Show results with:divisions
  155. [155]
    Regional Councils Act, 1992 - NamibLII
    To establish regional councils in respect of regions determined in accordance with Article 103 of the Namibian Constitution.<|control11|><|separator|>
  156. [156]
    Country and territory profiles - SNG-WOFI - NAMIBIA - AFRICA
    The country is administratively divided in 14 regions governed by 14 regional councils. The local government level is subdivided into four categories: three “ ...<|separator|>
  157. [157]
    [PDF] Regional and Local Government
    The Namibian Constitution establishes three levels of government: (1) central government (2) regional government and (3) local government.
  158. [158]
    Office of the Governor - Hardaprc - Portal Ariel
    The Governor of Hardap Region is appointed by the President of the Republic of Namibia under the Regional Governors Appointment Act, 1990 (Act No. 6 of 1990) ...
  159. [159]
    [PDF] NAMIBIA - CLGF
    They are focused on the region, the regional constituencies, local authorities, villages and settlements. Each is composed differently. 5.3 ICT Use in ...
  160. [160]
    Chapter 11 - Principles Of State Policy | Namibia - UN Member States
    Article 96 [Foreign Relations] · adopts and maintains a policy of non-alignment; · promotes international co-operation, peace and security; · creates and maintains ...
  161. [161]
    Foreign-Policy-And-Vision - Namibia High Commission
    The prime objective of Namibia's foreign policy is the promotion of national security, peace and prosperity. Our government strives, together with the majority ...Missing: principles | Show results with:principles
  162. [162]
    [PDF] Principles and principals of Namibia's foreign relations
    The foreign policy principle of fostering respect for international law and treaty obligations is boosted by Article 144 of the Namibian Constitution, which ...
  163. [163]
    Policy and History - U.S. Embassy in Namibia
    U.S.-Namibia Relations​​ The bilateral relationship is characterized by a shared commitment to democratic principles, including the rule of law and respect for ...
  164. [164]
    Namibia's foreign minister on the transformative impact of trade and ...
    Jul 23, 2025 · Namibia marked a milestone by fully implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), exporting its first shipment under ...
  165. [165]
    Namibia calls for end to Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara at ...
    Sep 25, 2025 · ... Namibia's position on the issue of Western Sahara is "firm and inalienable," reiterating her country's continued support for the ...
  166. [166]
    MEDIA RELEASE 16 August 2024 SUBJECT: NAMIBIA ... - Facebook
    Aug 16, 2024 · Namibia hereby wishes to condemn in the strongest term the ongoing occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco. The question of Western Sahara ...
  167. [167]
    On the spot with Paheja Siririka – Namibia, South Africa bond tied to ...
    Jul 25, 2025 · Namibia and South Africa share warm relations that are deeply rooted in the joint struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
  168. [168]
    President Ramaphosa to co-chair Third South Africa–Namibia Bi ...
    Oct 11, 2023 · South Africa and Namibia share a common vision on issues of political and economic integration of the African continent. Both countries pursue ...
  169. [169]
    Namibia_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
    China is Namibia's main trading partner. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, China has completed aid projects such as ...
  170. [170]
    [PDF] China in Namibia - World Without Genocide
    China has invested $4.6 billion in Namibia since 1990 to build roads, shipping installations, a new railway, and other critical infrastructure; extract valuable ...
  171. [171]
    Namibia, China celebrate 35 years of diplomatic ties - People's Daily
    Sep 15, 2025 · Zhao Weiping, Chinese ambassador to Namibia, said China is working with Namibia to implement a zero-tariff treatment for African countries, ...
  172. [172]
    Germany and Namibia: Bilateral relations - Federal Foreign Office
    Namibian-German relations are multifaceted and close, not least with regard to investment in green hydrogen production, development cooperation, tourism and ...
  173. [173]
    Namibia's post-colonial relationship with Germany – DW – 10/18/2024
    Germany agreed to fund €1.1 billion worth of Namibian projects over a 30-year period after officially recognizing the Herero-Nama genocide.
  174. [174]
    A Conversation With President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia
    Sep 22, 2025 · President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah discusses Namibia's socioeconomic developments, climate issues, nuclear energy, trade, and the country's role ...
  175. [175]
    Namibia Eyes BRICS Membership, Seeking Closer Ties With ...
    Nov 12, 2024 · Namibia has expressed its strong interest in joining the influential bloc of emerging economies, BRICS, according to the country's ambassador to ...
  176. [176]
    Namibia Considering Russian Nuclear Energy Cooperation
    Mar 4, 2025 · Many foreigners come to Africa and take everything. Russia is a reliable and equal partner. That is why we are interested in cooperation.”.
  177. [177]
    Global Gateway in Namibia: Joint field visit of EU Commissioner for ...
    Sep 19, 2025 · Team Europe is Namibia's biggest trade and development partner, with a positive trade surplus for Namibia supporting local and regional value ...
  178. [178]
    [PDF] Namibia's Foreign Policy on Human Rights - SAIIA
    A review of its voting record as a UN member state speaks to a number of conflicting principles informing Namibian foreign policy, particularly in terms of its ...
  179. [179]
    [PDF] The Namibian Defence Force from 1990–2005 - AWS
    The actual formation of the new NDF started soon after March 1990 when part of UNTAG—comprising the Kenyan contingent led by. UNTAG's Deputy, Lt Gen Daniel ...
  180. [180]
    About NDF - MODVA - Portal Ariel
    The Namibian Defence Force was established in 1990 by the Namibian Constitution, Chapter 15, Article 115, and the Defence Act 20 of 1990 as amended. The ...
  181. [181]
    2025 Namibia Military Strength - Global Firepower
    58 · Fighters: Stock: 11 (32.4%) Readiness: 5* · 145 · Attack Types: ; 96 · Tanks: Stock: 4. Readiness: 2* · 92 · Vehicles: ; 145 · Aircraft Carriers: 0 · 145 · Helicopter ...
  182. [182]
    Namibia Military Expenditure - Trading Economics
    Military Expenditure in Namibia increased to 362.40 USD Million in 2024 from 339.40 USD Million in 2023. Military Expenditure in Namibia averaged 260.12 USD ...Missing: Force structure size
  183. [183]
    Namibia Military equipment inventories and acquisitions - IndexMundi
    Sep 18, 2021 · The inventory of the Namibian Defense Force consists mostly of Soviet-era equipment; China is the leading supplier of weapons to Namibia since 2010 (2020).
  184. [184]
    Namibia displays UAVs, Bushcat APCs and other new equipment ...
    Jun 10, 2025 · Unidentified new drones. Another new addition to the Namibia Defence Force (NDF) inventory is Milkor's Bushcat 4×4 armoured personnel carrier.
  185. [185]
    How peacekeeping success is still delivering for Namibia
    Jul 16, 2025 · Namibia's story shows that peace is not just desirable, but achievable. It underscores that peacekeeping must be more than a crisis response.
  186. [186]
    Defence's N$8 billion budget: 'Its like funding a kindergarten with no ...
    Mar 12, 2024 · Analysts have criticised the N$8 billion budget allocated to the defence ministry by finance and public enterprises minister Iipumbu Shiimi on 28 February.
  187. [187]
    Chapter 3 - Fundamental Human Rights And Freedoms | Namibia
    The fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in this chapter shall be respected and upheld by the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary and all organs of the ...
  188. [188]
    Namibia | RSF
    Freedom of the press is firmly anchored in Namibia, historically one of Africa's best-ranked countries in RSF's World Press Freedom Index.
  189. [189]
    Human rights in Namibia - Amnesty International
    The Namibian Police Force reported 4,815 cases between April 2023 and January 2024. In one high-profile case, a woman was fatally stabbed multiple times by her ...
  190. [190]
    Over 4 000 GBV cases recorded - New Era
    Dec 4, 2024 · The Namibian Police recorded 4 814 gender-based violence (GBV) cases countrywide during the 2023/24 financial year.
  191. [191]
    Gender-Based Violence - UNFPA Namibia
    Thirty two per cent (32%) of adolescent girls aged 15-19 and 35% of young girls aged 20-24 have experience physical violence from a partner. During 2012-2016, ...
  192. [192]
    Namibia Court Decriminalizes Consensual Same-Sex Conduct
    Jun 25, 2024 · It also found singling out homosexual men for different treatment amounts to unfair discrimination; that enforcement of the private moral views ...
  193. [193]
    Namibia LGBTQ rights: Gay sex laws ruled unconstitutional by ... - BBC
    Jun 21, 2024 · Convictions for the colonial-era offences of "sodomy" and "unnatural sexual offences" were rare but fuelled discrimination against gay men who ...
  194. [194]
    Namibia: Decision to overturn "sodomy" laws is a victory for human ...
    Jun 21, 2024 · “This ruling is a step toward ending discrimination in equal access to health care and other social services and ensuring that all people in ...
  195. [195]
    San in Namibia - Minority Rights Group
    The San people have borne the brunt of Nambia's worsening poverty and the HIV/Aids epidemic. They remain the most marginalized community in Namibia. Most San ...
  196. [196]
    [PDF] Guide to Indigenous Peoples' Rights in Namibia
    Only 15% of San has legal title deeds for the lands which they occupy. The level of literacy among the San is only 20 %4.
  197. [197]
    2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Namibia
    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. There were no significant changes in the human rights situation in Namibia during the year. There were no credible reports of significant ...
  198. [198]
    Namibia - Transparency.org
    Namibia has a score of 49 this year, with a change of 0 since last year, meaning it ranks 59 out of 180 countries. Find out about key corruption issues in ...
  199. [199]
    Namibia Corruption Index - Trading Economics
    Namibia scored 49 points out of 100 on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index reported by Transparency International. Corruption Index in Namibia averaged 48.85 ...
  200. [200]
    Namibia country risk report | GAN Integrity
    Companies face a moderate risk of corruption in Namibia. While the country suffers from less corruption compared to other countries in the region, corruption ...
  201. [201]
    [PDF] SWAPO: The Beginning of the Political Challenge - Ifri
    May 1, 2022 · independence, a web of patronage was deployed by SWAPO to place its cadres in all key functions. Corruption has escalated to reach major.
  202. [202]
    It is time for Swapo to unite, fight patronage and corruption - New Era
    Feb 21, 2020 · It is time for Swapo to unite, fight patronage and corruption ... Swapo Party is a modern political party in the political landscape of Namibia.
  203. [203]
    Still no justice for workers impoverished by Fishrot corruption scandal
    Nov 28, 2024 · Namibia's Fishrot corruption scandal is an example of the worst effects of corruption on people who must work for a living and support their families.
  204. [204]
    Corruption in Namibia is Systemic, and there is a Psychology behind it
    Jul 10, 2025 · Thirteen individuals, including entities, Have been charged in connection with a corruption scandal involving over N$500 million. This is not ...
  205. [205]
    2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Namibia
    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. There were no significant changes in the human rights situation in Namibia during the year. Significant human rights issues included ...
  206. [206]
    [PDF] Namibia Ranks 44 out of 142 in the World Justice Project Rule of ...
    Oct 23, 2024 · Namibia's overall rule of law score decreased by less than 1% in this year's Index. It ranks 44th out of 142 countries worldwide. Regionally, ...Missing: weaknesses | Show results with:weaknesses
  207. [207]
    Namibia Country Report 2024 - BTI Transformation Index
    Namibia has grappled with extensive corruption scandals, undermining citizen and investor trust. Promised transparency and accountability have been lacking ...
  208. [208]
    Namibia - World Bank Open Data
    Economic ; GDP (current US$) · Most recent value. (2024 billion). 13.37. (2024 billion) ; GDP per capita (current US$) · Most recent value. (2024). 4,413.1. (2024).Missing: historical | Show results with:historical
  209. [209]
    Namibia and the IMF
    Real GDP growth (Annual percent change). 3.6. Inflation rate, average consumer prices (Annual percent change). 3.7. Source: IMF DataMapper. See All Documents.
  210. [210]
    Namibia Economy: GDP, Inflation, CPI & Interest Rates
    GDP per capita of USD 4,473 compared to the global average of USD 10,589. Average real GDP growth of 1.7% over the last decade. Average real GDP growth of 1.8% ...
  211. [211]
    [PDF] Namibia Insights - the Nedbank Group
    Aug 28, 2025 · Economic growth moderated further in 2024, with real GDP growth easing to 3.7% in 2024 from 4.4% in 2023 and 5.4% in. 2022. The main drag ...<|separator|>
  212. [212]
    https://www.observer24.com.na/imf-forecasts-namibias-gdp-to-grow-by-3-6/
  213. [213]
    MINING AND ENERGY – NAMIBIA TRADE NETWORK
    Feb 27, 2025 · The mining industry is one of the main pillars of the country's economy and accounted for 14.4% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023.
  214. [214]
    Namibia's Mining Sector Holds Steady as Uranium and Metal Ores ...
    Jul 12, 2025 · Mining continues to play an outsized role in Namibia's economic performance, contributing 13.7% of GDP in Q1 2025. The sector remains a key ...Missing: contribution | Show results with:contribution
  215. [215]
    Mining sector profit increases from N$51.572b in 2023 to N$52.259b ...
    Apr 24, 2025 · Uranium mining posted a marginal growth of 1.8% in 2024, a considerable slowdown compared to the impressive growth rate of 29.6% achieved in ...<|separator|>
  216. [216]
    Uranium production in Namibia and major projects
    According to GlobalData, Namibia is the world's third-largest producer of uranium in 2023, with output up by 14% on 2022. Over the five years to 2022, ...
  217. [217]
    World Uranium Mining Production - World Nuclear Association
    Sep 23, 2025 · In 2024 Kazakhstan produced the largest share of uranium from mines (39% of world supply), followed by Canada (24%) and Namibia (12%).
  218. [218]
    Production of Uranium in Namibia, 2021 - 2029 (tonnes) - GlobalData
    Production of Uranium in Namibia reached 6,440.37 tonnes in 2024. Production grew by a CAGR of 3.83% between 2021 to 2024,and is expected to grow by.
  219. [219]
    Uranium: 2024 Namibian Production Hits Record High
    Jul 18, 2025 · The restart of Langer Heinrich pushed Namibian uranium production to a record high, but production declined slightly at Rossing and Husab.
  220. [220]
    Uranium in Namibia - World Nuclear Association
    Nov 14, 2023 · Namibia has significant uranium mines capable of providing 10% of world mining output. Its first commercial uranium mine began operating in ...
  221. [221]
    Mining & discovery - De Beers Group
    Namibia's diamond industry is a key driver of the nation's economy and ... Contribution of total De Beers diamond production in 2024. 2.2. million carats ...
  222. [222]
    De Beers' Payments to Namibia Fall Amid Diamond Market Slump
    Jul 2, 2025 · Namibia's total diamond output for 2024 stood at 2.2 million carats, representing a 4% dip from the previous year. Offshore mining operations by ...
  223. [223]
    Production Report for the Second Quarter of 2025 - De Beers Group
    Jul 24, 2025 · This compared with three Sights in Q2 2024 of 7.8 million carats (7.3 million carats on a consolidated basis)(2), generating consolidated rough ...
  224. [224]
    [PDF] Mining Industry Review for 2024 By Zebra Kasete President ...
    Apr 23, 2025 · In this report, I will reflect on the mining sector's achievements over the past year, analyse its performance, highlight the Chamber's advocacy.
  225. [225]
    Gold, zinc, copper prices increase - Windhoek Observer
    Oct 17, 2024 · The Bank of Namibia has disclosed that the price of gold trended higher over the past two-month period, buoyed by safe-haven demand.
  226. [226]
    Koryx Copper Announces Updated PEA Results for the Haib Copper ...
    Sep 5, 2025 · Koryx Copper Announces Updated PEA Results for the Haib Copper Project, Southern Namibia ; Copper price (base case), US$/t, 9,500 ; Copper ...
  227. [227]
    Copper Mining in Namibia - ZoriaRuslan - Robertson Geo
    Jul 8, 2024 · The Oamites Copper Project seeks to mine and beneficiate copper on site with the view of exporting high grade concentrate.
  228. [228]
    Namibia Project - Bezant Resources
    HOPE COPPER-GOLD PROJECT · Mining Licence (ML246) granted in 2024 covering resources with a projected open-pit and underground mining capacity of over 11-years ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  229. [229]
    Namibia's Mining Sector - AFSIC 2025 - Investing in Africa
    Namibia's mining sector is vital, extracting diamonds, uranium, gold, zinc, and copper, and is a major source of employment and economic stability.Missing: production | Show results with:production
  230. [230]
    AGRICULTURE SECTOR - MIT - Portal Ariel
    Namibia's agriculture sector, vital for 70% of the population, contributes 5.1% GDP, with livestock at 70% of output. It has potential for growth and job ...
  231. [231]
    Managing scarce water and land resources: The potentials of ...
    Water is a very scarce resource in Namibia, with agriculture being the largest user, accounting for up to 75% of total water withdrawal.
  232. [232]
    Namibia Land use - Geography - IndexMundi
    Sep 18, 2021 · Land use: agricultural land: 47.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 46.2% (2018 est.) forest:
  233. [233]
    Mahangu (Pearl Millet) - Namibian Agronomic Board
    Mahangu, also known as pearl millet, is a subsistence rain fed cereal crop which is the major staple food for over 50% of the Namibian population.
  234. [234]
    Namibia Cereal crop yield by hectar - data, chart
    The latest value from 2022 is 649 kg per hectar, an increase from 494 kg per hectar in 2021. In comparison, the world average is 3866 kg per hectar.
  235. [235]
    National cereal production estimated at 72 000 metric tons in 2024
    Apr 22, 2024 · From May 2023 to February 2024, a total of 236,300 tons of coarse grains (wheat, maize, and pearl millet) were imported into the country, which ...<|separator|>
  236. [236]
    [PDF] First Quarter 2023 - Namibia Statistics Agency
    Maize posted the highest volumes of 1 293 tons. (a share of 61.7%), while millet witnessed the highest increase of 201.0 percent when compared to the same.
  237. [237]
    [PDF] Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - Namibia Statistics Agency
    The 'Agriculture and forestry' sector experienced a decline of 4.9 percent in real value added during the second quarter of 2024. This represents an improvement ...
  238. [238]
    Namibia's fishing sector GDP contribution drops to 4.1% in 2024
    Aug 20, 2025 · Fishing Industry's GDP Contribution Takes a Small Dip The contribution of Namibia's fishing sector to GDP decreased from 4.5% in 2023 to ...
  239. [239]
    Fishing contributes N$15b to GDP - New Era Namibia
    Mar 25, 2025 · In 2023, the sector accounted for 14% of the country's export revenue, amounting to N$14 billion. Overall, the fishing sector is the second- ...Missing: production | Show results with:production
  240. [240]
    Namibia - Perfiles de países de pesca y acuicultura
    Nov 17, 2023 · Total export earnings from fishery products were USD 760 million in 2022, with about half of exports going to the European Union (EU). Fish ...
  241. [241]
    Namibia - Commercial Fishing - International Trade Administration
    Feb 29, 2024 · Fishing is one of Namibia's top industries, contributing about 3 percent of GDP since 2007 and approximately 20 percent of export earnings.
  242. [242]
    Namibia aims to boost agriculture's GDP contribution to 8% by 2030
    Oct 6, 2025 · Namibia aims to boost agriculture's GDP contribution to 8% by 2030 ... Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia has ...
  243. [243]
    TOURISM – NAMIBIA TRADE NETWORK
    Feb 24, 2025 · Namibia's tourism industry contributed 6.9% to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022, while direct employment accounted for close to 8% of the ...
  244. [244]
    [PDF] Namibia QER Q2 2024 | IPPR
    The findings of the latest TSA estimates that tourism directly contributed over N$14.3 billion to Namibia's economy or 6.9% of GDP. Some 57,571 people were ...
  245. [245]
    [PDF] TOURIST STATISTICAL REPORT
    It reveals that international tourist arrivals increased with 87.4 percent, from 461,027 in 2022, to reach. 863,872 in 2023. This notable increase demonstrates ...
  246. [246]
    [PDF] ECONOMIC
    The direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP is expected to grow by 3.7% pa to NAD12,251.2mn (3.9% of GDP) from 2024 to 2034.
  247. [247]
    Namibia - Travel and Tourism - International Trade Administration
    Feb 29, 2024 · According to local economic think tank Simonis Storm, travel and tourism contributed approximately 12 percent of GDP in Namibia, and 5.7 percent ...
  248. [248]
    [PDF] Sector Brief Namibia: Tourism - GIZ
    The hospitality and tourism industry contributed N$5.2 billion. (€ 270 million) directly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),.
  249. [249]
    Namibia NA: GDP: % of GDP: Gross Value Added: Services - CEIC
    Namibia NA: GDP: % of GDP: Gross Value Added: Services data was reported at 58.418 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 58.083 ...<|separator|>
  250. [250]
    Namibia - ACET - African Center for Economic Transformation
    Meanwhile, the service sector remains the largest contributor to total value added at 63 percent. As a result, there has been a shift toward extractive ...Missing: key facts
  251. [251]
    MACRO INSIGHT HOSPITALITY STATISTICS - namibia trade network
    Jul 4, 2025 · In April 2025, Namibia's hospitality occupancy was 54.94%, with a 24.1% month-on-month increase. The YTD average is 41.49%. 2025 projects 5.5% ...
  252. [252]
    Namibia Economic Outlook - African Development Bank Group
    Real GDP is projected to decline to 3.3% in both 2024 and 2025 owing to anticipated weak global demand and contraction in agriculture.
  253. [253]
    TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS – NAMIBIA TRADE NETWORK
    Feb 27, 2025 · Namibia's logistic sector is supported by the best road infrastructure in Africa, two international airports (Hosea Kutako and Walvis Bay), six ...
  254. [254]
    Infrastructure and logistics - Namibia High Commission
    The Corridor stretches over 1,900 km along Walvis Bay – Windhoek – Gaborone -Johannesburg/Pretoria. It is supported by a railway line from the Port of Walvis ...Missing: 2023-2025 | Show results with:2023-2025
  255. [255]
    LOGISTICS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR - MIT - Portal Ariel
    Government is therefore upgrading of railway network to double the volume of cargo transported between Walvis Bay and Kranzberg, Kranzberg and Oshikango, and ...Missing: 2023-2025 | Show results with:2023-2025
  256. [256]
    Namibia - Transport Infrastructure Improvement Project - Phase II
    The proposed railway improvement will facilitate the efficient and reliable transportation of freight to and from Port of Walvis Bay throughout Namibia and ...Missing: airports | Show results with:airports
  257. [257]
    Namibia - Countries & Regions - IEA
    Most of Namibia's electricity is generated by hydropower. The country is also one of the ten-largest uranium resource-holders in the world.
  258. [258]
    [PDF] THE NAMIBIAN RENEWABLE ENERGY AND GREEN HYDROGEN ...
    With an installed capacity of 680 MW, Namibia produces 70% of its electricity from renewable sources, including solar, hydro and wind.
  259. [259]
    Namibia solar expansion: Impressive 110 MW boost by 2025
    Oct 14, 2025 · By increasing its renewable energy capacity from a baseline of 170 MW in 2023, Namibia will reduce its reliance on imported electricity and ...Missing: hydropower | Show results with:hydropower
  260. [260]
    Namibia - Energy - International Trade Administration
    Feb 29, 2024 · NamPower plans to bring additional power projects online in the coming few years to generate 150 MW of new energy, including solar, wind, and ...Missing: 2023-2025 | Show results with:2023-2025
  261. [261]
    [PDF] Renewable energy investment factsheet: Namibia
    Energy transition goals. Target of 70% renewable energy in power mix by 2030. Increase renewable generation from solar, wind, and hydro. Major strategies and ...
  262. [262]
    [PDF] MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN NAMIBIA What are the factors ...
    3.2 Manufacturing contribution to GDP ... The sector's contribution to GDP has dropped over the years from 22 percent in 2000 to 9.9 percent in 2014.This ...
  263. [263]
    [PDF] The Economic Complexity of Namibia: A Roadmap for Productive ...
    The institutional effort needed to supply the missing skills required by industries downstream Namibia's raw materials are larger than those required by other ...
  264. [264]
    [PDF] Unemployment rate - Namibia Statistics Agency
    Jan 29, 2025 · The results also indicate that the largest increases in unemployment were observed in Kavango West (33% in 2018 to 52.8% in 2023), Omusati (24% ...
  265. [265]
    Namibia Unemployment Rate - Trading Economics
    Unemployment Rate in Namibia decreased to 19.10 percent in 2024 from 19.40 percent in 2023. Unemployment Rate in Namibia averaged 20.85 percent from 1991 ...
  266. [266]
    [PDF] NAMIBIA_ Growth, Employment & Decent Work in Namibia
    The surprisingly high level of unemployment in rural areas reflects the lack of alternative labour absorbing sectors to agriculture and the widespread feeling ...
  267. [267]
    Capital Accumulation and Unemployment in Namibia, Nigeria, and ...
    The insufficiency of accumulation of capital in Namibia, Nigeria, and South Africa causes a high and persistent unemployment level in the economies. The ...
  268. [268]
    Sources of unemployment in Namibia - IDEAS/RePEc
    Empirical results show that persistently high unemployment is the result of a combination of various shocks as well as the hysteresis mechanism.
  269. [269]
    Namibia - Southern African Regional Poverty Network (SARPN)
    Empirical studies show that there are various economic policy related problems that causes unemployment in Namibia. These are the dualistic labour market ...
  270. [270]
    [PDF] Unemployment in Namibia: Measurement Problems, Causes ...
    There is a negative relationship between GDP growth and employment, with the level of employment declining with positive growth of the economy. Despite a high ...
  271. [271]
    Gini index - Namibia - World Bank Open Data
    Gini index - Namibia. World Bank, Poverty and Inequality Platform. Data are based on primary household survey data obtained from government statistical agencies ...
  272. [272]
    Socioeconomic Indicators - Namibia | Market Forecast - Statista
    The gini coefficient in Namibia is forecast to amount to 0.58 in 2025. The unemployment rate in Namibia is forecast to 20.34% in 2025.
  273. [273]
    the cause of inequality? A qualitative and quantitative case study ...
    Dec 17, 2018 · The causes of the current levels of inequality are primarily attributed to the country's colonial past with expropriation of lands of the local ...
  274. [274]
    [PDF] Does Fiscal Policy Benefit the Poor and Reduce Inequality in ...
    This report demonstrates that Namibia's progressive income tax and generous social spending programs substantially reduce poverty and inequality, but the ...
  275. [275]
    [PDF] The root causes of Poverty - National Planning Commission
    In this paper we have considered current poverty and inequality in Namibia and the likely contributors to poverty and its persistence. The links between ...
  276. [276]
    Namibia: “Unacceptable inequalities persist 20 years after ... - ohchr
    Oct 8, 2012 · In her view, inefficiency, limited institutional capacity, skills shortages, a slow decentralization process and poor monitoring have prevented ...
  277. [277]
    The profits of excludability and transferability in redistributive land ...
    Jan 13, 2017 · The study focuses on Namibia's two main commercial land reform instruments, namely the Farm Unit Resettlement Scheme and the Affirmative Action Loan Scheme.Missing: outcomes | Show results with:outcomes
  278. [278]
    [PDF] namibia qer q2 2023 | ippr
    The comprehensive account of commercial land reform contained in the Guide to the Namibian Economy complemented by the annual land reform statistics ...
  279. [279]
    The Intricacies of Land Reform in Namibia - SciELO SA
    The article finds that the major constraints to meaningful land reform in Namibia are contained in the legislative framework and policies on land.
  280. [280]
    Opinion – The oxymoronic effect of land reform in Namibia – New Era
    Jun 6, 2025 · The percentage of Namibians who have genuinely benefitted from the land reform programme from 1992 to 2024 will be less than 15% – by extension 10%.
  281. [281]
    Namibia moves towards land expropriation - African Business
    Nov 29, 2018 · Both schemes failed to result in sweeping reform, in part because many farmers were reluctant to sell and “willing buyer willing seller ...Missing: failures data
  282. [282]
    Opinion – State's power in redressing land inequality – New Era
    Feb 7, 2025 · One of the critical failures of Namibia's land reform process has been the lack of post-settlement support. Many beneficiaries of land ...
  283. [283]
    [PDF] Livelihoods after land reform: Namibia Country report
    Two main factors determine agricultural production in Namibia: climate and land ownership ... The Namibia Agricultural Union and land reform. Windhoek: NAU ...
  284. [284]
    Namibia: Land reform reproducing poverty - ReliefWeb
    Nov 15, 2007 · "Since even the larger white farms were not very profitable, this apportionment is both setting black farmers up to fail, and failing to ...
  285. [285]
    [PDF] Food for Growth: A Diagnostics of Namibia's Agriculture Sector
    Agriculture can grow either by expanding the utilization of land and water resources or by increasing output per hectare. Despite the volatility and slow pace ...
  286. [286]
    Resettlement is a failure - The Namibian -
    Jan 5, 2007 · ... failed thusfar to empower the poor and the landless in their bid to become self-sufficient farmers,” the author, local land reform expert ...
  287. [287]
    Youthful population dominates Namibia's 2023 Census preliminary ...
    Mar 13, 2024 · Moreover, the gap between urban and rural populations is narrowing rapidly, shrinking from 25.3% in 2011 to 2.1% in 2023. In 2023, regional ...
  288. [288]
    Namibia Birth Rate (1950-2025) - Macrotrends
    Namibia birth rate for 2024 was 26.01, a 0.47% increase from 2023. · Namibia birth rate for 2023 was 25.89, a 1.72% decline from 2022. · Namibia birth rate for ...
  289. [289]
    Fertility rate, total (births per woman) - Namibia | Data
    Fertility rate, total (births per woman) - Namibia · Survival to age 65, female (% of cohort) · Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) · Contraceptive prevalence, ...
  290. [290]
    Namibia - WHO Data
    In Namibia, life expectancy at birth (years) has improved by ▲ 7.34 years from 53 [51.9 - 54.3] years in 2000 to 60.4 [59.6 - 61.4] years in 2021.Missing: fertility | Show results with:fertility
  291. [291]
    [PDF] NAMIBIA - Environmental Migration Portal
    In Namibia, loss of livelihood is the major factor that forces human mobility and contributes to the increasing rural-urban migration in the country (NSA, 2015 ...
  292. [292]
    [PDF] Climate change, migration and urbanisation in contemporary Namibia
    Climate related events such as poor rainfalls and droughts create patterns of mobility, however the findings of rural to urban migration in Namibia indicates ...
  293. [293]
    Namibia - Migrants & Refugees Section
    Although Namibia has witnessed a rapid urbanisation process, the number of emigrants is still relatively small. Furthermore, the number of studies on ...
  294. [294]
    Exploring the benefits and dis-benefits of climate migration as an ...
    Dec 13, 2022 · Namibia was considered an excellent choice to study internal migration related to climate change in Southern Africa for three main reasons.
  295. [295]
    [PDF] IJG Population and Housing Census 2023 review
    The Census revealed that Namibia's population stood at 3,022,401 in 2023 compared to 2,113,077 in 2011. This new population size implied a growth rate of 3.0% a ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  296. [296]
    Aakwanyama, Aandonga and Ovaherero named largest ethnic ...
    Nov 3, 2024 · As such, the Aandonga make up 10.3% of Namibia's population, while the Ovaherero constitute 5.9%. Other large ethnic groups include the Damara ...
  297. [297]
    Ethnic Groups Of Namibia - World Atlas
    These include the: Caprivian (4%), Busmen (3%), Tswana (1%), and other groups that make up less than 1% each.
  298. [298]
    Namibia - IWGIA - International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs
    Taken together, the Indigenous Peoples of Namibia represent some 8% of the total population of the country, which was 2,779,232 as of July 2023. The San ( ...Missing: composition | Show results with:composition
  299. [299]
    Culture of Namibia - history, people, women, food, customs, family ...
    Kin Groups. Corporate kin groups are formed by ties traced through women (matrilineal), men (patrilineal), or both (bilateral), depending on ethnicity.
  300. [300]
    [PDF] Traditional Authorities Act 2000
    A traditional authority shall in the exercise of its powers and the execution of its duties and functions have jurisdiction over the members of the traditional ...
  301. [301]
    WP183: Traditional authority and state legitimacy: Evidence from ...
    Jul 16, 2019 · This study examines whether respondents governed by traditional leaders are less likely to trust state institutions.
  302. [302]
    The situation of indigenous peoples in Namibia
    However, certain indigenous peoples—including the San, Himba (Ovahimba), Ovazemba, Ovatjimba and Ovatue people—are disadvantaged relative to other groups in the ...
  303. [303]
    2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: Namibia
    According to a Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life survey released in 2015, approximately 97 percent of the population identifies as Christian.Missing: composition | Show results with:composition
  304. [304]
    2020 Report on International Religious Freedom: Namibia
    According to church statistics and the government's 2013 Demographic and Health Survey, approximately 50 percent identify as Lutheran and 20 percent as Catholic ...
  305. [305]
    Namibia - National Profiles | World Religion
    More than 90 percent identify themselves as Christian. The two largest Christian groups are the Lutheran and Roman Catholic churches, while smaller numbers are ...Missing: composition | Show results with:composition
  306. [306]
    Religious Beliefs In Namibia - World Atlas
    Around 5% of the population reports practicing other religions. These include smaller sects of Christianity (like Baptists and Methodists), Islam, Buddhism, ...Lutheran Christian · Traditional Beliefs · Roman Catholic<|control11|><|separator|>
  307. [307]
    Namibia population (2025) live - Countrymeters.
    Religion in Namibia ; Christianity, 2,798,284, 97.5 % ; Religiously Unaffiliated, 57,401, 2.0 % ; Islam, 8,610, 0.3 % ; Folk or traditional religions, 5,740, 0.2 % ...Population fact sheet · Population 2025 · Demographics 2024 · Age structure
  308. [308]
    Namibia Report 2023 - ACN International
    Country Religious Demography ; Christians · 90.9% · 90.47% ; Muslims · 0.34% · 0.36% ; Agnostics · 2.27% · 2.22% ; Atheists · 0.02% · 0.02%.
  309. [309]
    Religion and human rights in Namibia
    Namibia is one of the most Christianised countries in Africa. Its Christian roots date back to the early nineteenth century.1. The Composition Of The... · 5. The Confrontation Of... · 5.3 New Battlegrounds...
  310. [310]
    Namibia on verge of universal education target …97,8% of children ...
    Oct 3, 2025 · As it currently stands, Namibia has an accessibility and net enrolment success rate of 97,8%, which places the country in a favourable position ...
  311. [311]
    Namibia Approaches Universal Education with High Enrollment
    Oct 3, 2025 · As of 2023, Namibia had a total of 615 634 learners enrolled in the primary phase of education. Overall enrolment in primary schools indicates ...
  312. [312]
    Education Initiatives in Namibia - The Borgen Project
    Oct 26, 2024 · Furthermore, literacy rates are 92% overall and 95% for youth. This emphasis on the nation's youth is critical for development in Namibia ...
  313. [313]
    Namibia UNCT meets the press on the Sustainable Development ...
    Aug 21, 2024 · The gross enrollment rate in higher education institutions is at 19%, which is higher than the average for sub-Saharan Africa. The Government of ...
  314. [314]
    [PDF] EDUCATION - Unicef
    2 In addition, more teachers are qualified - 95.5% (primary) and 97.2% (secondary). - and more schools have been constructed from 1,826 in 2016 to 1, 964 in ...
  315. [315]
    Namibia Priorities Foundational Learning - FlyNamibia
    Repetition rates, as reported by the Education Management Information System (EMIS) 2023, 17.2% in Grade 1, 19% in Grade 4, and 21.9% in Grade 8 signal that ...
  316. [316]
    Teachers are managing more than 40 learners per class - Facebook
    Jun 5, 2025 · Due to limited classroom space, primary school classes now hold 35 to 40 learners, while some secondary school classes have up to 50 students. " ...
  317. [317]
    A Case Study of How the Ministry of Education in Namibia Used ...
    Jan 1, 2013 · The Impact of Large-Scale International Assessments: A Case Study of How the Ministry of Education in Namibia Used SACMEQ Assessments to Improve ...
  318. [318]
    [PDF] Skills Development in Namibia Policy Note - World Bank Document
    However, this still implies that more than 4 out of 10 graduates remain unemployed despite a shortage of skilled workers in the labor market. These results are ...
  319. [319]
    What Namibia's Free University Education Could Mean for Youth ...
    Sep 12, 2025 · Namibia faces one of the highest youth unemployment rates in sub-Saharan Africa. The overall unemployment rate is estimated at 36.9 per cent ...
  320. [320]
    [PDF] TRACER REPORT - NTA
    The survey result shows similar unemployment rates (53.6%) for graduates who graduated in 2015, and 2016. 54.0. 54.5. 55.0. 55.5. 53.5. 53.0. 52.5. 2015. 2016.<|separator|>
  321. [321]
    Namibia to Offer Tuition-Free Higher Education in 2026
    May 6, 2025 · The first woman president of Namibia, has announced her administration will offer free higher education at state-run colleges and universities beginning in ...
  322. [322]
    HIV Rates by Country 2025 - World Population Review
    Namibia has the seventh-highest rate of HIV in the world of 11.5%, as of 2023. The virus is a leading cause of death in the country. About 230,000 people in ...HIV Around the World · The Three Stages of HIV · HIV Treatment and...
  323. [323]
    Health ministry reports on HIV-AIDS trends - News - The Namibian
    Nov 13, 2024 · More than 7 000 children in Namibia are living with HIV-AIDS, the latest figures released by the Ministry of Health and Social Services shows.
  324. [324]
    HIV and TB Overview: Namibia - CDC
    Jun 30, 2025 · A summary of CDC's HIV and TB programs, services, and partnerships in Namibia ... Estimated HIV Prevalence (Ages 15-49). 9.7% (2023).
  325. [325]
    Namibia marks HIV AIDS wins but stigma puts LGBTQ+ people at risk
    Sep 24, 2024 · The HIV prevalence rate for men who have sex with men (MSM) is 7.8%, below the rate of 9.7% for all Namibian adults aged 15 to 49, but MSM ...
  326. [326]
    Namibia's national sanitation and hygiene strategy 2022-2027 ...
    Jan 17, 2025 · Approximately 7.9% of Namibia's population depend on unimproved sanitation facilities, while 40% of households lack access to any form of toilet ...
  327. [327]
    Sanitation in Namibia Is a Catastrophe for Its People and Environment
    Aug 27, 2024 · More than a million Namibians lack adequate access to toilets, resulting in one of the world's highest rates of open defecation.
  328. [328]
    [PDF] Policy Brief - Unicef
    Namibia loses an estimated N$4.5 billion annually due to inadequate WASH, with 50% of the population practicing open defecation. 99.2% and 88.1% of urban and ...
  329. [329]
    [PDF] HEALTH - Unicef
    Namibia's health spending is high, but staff shortages exist. COVID-19 impacted immunization, and the country faces high HIV/AIDS, stunting, and maternal ...
  330. [330]
    Namibia: Organisation of Services | PHCPI
    ... Namibia faced the challenge of ensuring equitable and quality healthcare for all. ... Total health expenditure has increased from 6.2 percent of the gross ...Namibia: Organisation Of... · Commitment To Care And... · Mobile Clinics And Community...
  331. [331]
    Namibia Life Expectancy (1950-2025) - Macrotrends
    Namibia life expectancy for 2025 is 65.47, a 0.47% increase from 2024. Namibia life expectancy for 2024 was 65.16, a 3.3% decline from 2023.
  332. [332]
    https://www.statista.com/statistics/807052/infant-mortality-in-namibia/
  333. [333]
    Financing social protection in Namibia - OECD
    Namibia's social protection, costing 4.5% of GDP, provides cash transfers and assistance to vulnerable groups, and is effective at reducing poverty, but ...
  334. [334]
    The People of Namibia – Culture & Traditions - Desert Tracks
    Mar 22, 2025 · This diverse nation is home to various ethnic groups, including the Khoi, San, Damara, and Nama people, each contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the ...
  335. [335]
    The Ovambo People: History and Traditions - Namibia Today
    Jan 22, 2025 · The Ovambo people have a strong oral tradition, passing down their history, legends, and genealogies through storytelling. These narratives, ...
  336. [336]
    [PDF] Oral Literature and Indigenous Knowledge: The Case of the San ...
    The purpose of this article is to establish a frame for arranging and classifying observations relating to the indigenous Nnowledge and oral traditions of ...
  337. [337]
    N// e (?Talking?): The Oral and Rhetorical Base of San Culture
    Aug 7, 2025 · Like many other small-scale hunter-gatherers, the San (or Bushmen) of southern Africa have a vibrant oral culture and a society that is ...
  338. [338]
    San - Bushmen - Kalahari, South Africa... - Kruger National Park
    The San believed that the Eland was /Kaggen's favourite animal. San people have vast oral traditions, and many of their tales include stories about the gods ...
  339. [339]
    Mythology of the San Bushmen of Southern Africa - Google Books
    Drawing on a rich trove of archival research, ethnographic fieldwork, and oral traditions of the San, Mathias Guenther reveals the ongoing connections and ...
  340. [340]
    San Bushman Human–Lion Transformation and the “Credulity of ...
    Jul 17, 2024 · Lion transformation, among San-Bushmen, is arguably the most dramatic and spectacular instance of animal transformation.<|separator|>
  341. [341]
    The San | South African History Online
    Mar 24, 2011 · The earliest hunter-gatherers in southern Africa were the San people. The San were also known as 'Bushmen', a term used by the European Colonists that is now ...
  342. [342]
    San of Namibia - Pray Africa
    San peoples have extensive oral traditions, and many of their tales incorporate stories about the gods that serve to educate listeners about what is ...Missing: mythology | Show results with:mythology
  343. [343]
    Mapping Namibia's Ethnic Diversity: The Ovambo Majority and Beyond
    Jan 26, 2025 · The Nama: Keepers of Oral Traditions. The Nama people, primarily residing in southern Namibia, are known for their rich oral traditions and ...
  344. [344]
    From Ovambo to San: The Rich Tapestry of Namibia's Tribes
    Jan 25, 2025 · The Damara also practice oral traditions, with a focus on songs and storytelling, much like the Nama. Namibia's indigenous tribes—Ovambo, Herero ...<|separator|>
  345. [345]
    The Herero People – Namibia's Iconic Cultural Heritage
    Mar 22, 2025 · The Herero speak Otjiherero, a Bantu language that serves as a vessel for their rich oral traditions. Through storytelling, proverbs, and songs, ...
  346. [346]
    THE HERERO - A Namibian culture seeped in tradition
    The first ancestor was known as Mukuru – and the first woman as Kamungundu. Some say the tribal name Herero is derived from ova-erero (the people of yesterday).
  347. [347]
    [PDF] Land and landscape in Herero oral culture:
    Oral tradition is very rarely looked at when talking about the land question in Namibia. However, oral tradition, oral history and orature3 have become ...Missing: folklore | Show results with:folklore
  348. [348]
    [PDF] The Return of the Sacred Stones of the Ovambo Kingdoms
    Yet there are strong oral traditions about the role of sacred stones in king-making and sacred rituals in many of the Oshiwambo-speaking Ovambo Kingdoms of this ...
  349. [349]
    [PDF] A HISTORY OF THE OVAMBO OF VOLUME2 - Projeto CEAA
    24. She notes that the practice of appointing elders to pass on oral traditions is dying out; those who now do so are largely motivated by 'their own personal.
  350. [350]
    Ovambo Culture: Namibia's Largest Ethnic Group
    Dec 28, 2024 · Proverbs and Oral Traditions: Oshiwambo is rich in proverbs, idiomatic expressions, and oral traditions that carry deep cultural significance.<|separator|>
  351. [351]
    Namibia - African Rock Art - British Museum
    Namibia is home to over 1,200 rock art sites countrywide. Most of these sites appear to correspond with the hunter-gatherer art tradition found throughout ...
  352. [352]
    Art or Artist - National Art Gallery of Namibia
    May 2, 2025 · Namibia has a vibrant and diverse art scene, with artists who blend traditional influences with contemporary styles. Here are some highlights.
  353. [353]
    The Culture Of Namibia - World Atlas
    Nov 16, 2018 · Wood carvings by the Kavango people and Owambo's basketry are the most noticeable craft forms of Namibia.
  354. [354]
    Cultural Differences to Expect in Namibia - IBN Immigration Solutions
    May 25, 2023 · The largest ethnic groups include the Ovambo, Herero, Damara, Nama, and San communities, with additional smaller communities including the Himba ...Missing: kinship | Show results with:kinship
  355. [355]
    Art Dimensions - Travel Namibia
    Exhibits show functional art and crafts from some Namibian local regions, amongst them wooden sculptures, ceramics, woven and plaited articles, and jewellery.
  356. [356]
    Finding a nation's voice - Dandc.eu
    Feb 20, 2017 · Namibian authors like Lydia Shaketange, Ellen Ndeshi Namhila or Jane Katjavivi, but also the new generation of contemporary writers like the ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  357. [357]
    #100AfricanWomenWriters: 19. Neshani Andreas - bookshy
    Neshani Andreas was a Namibian writer, the first from her country in the Heinemann African Writers Series, who wrote for herself, and was born in 1964. She ...
  358. [358]
    Namibian Writing Front and Center: Rémy Ngamije on Doek ...
    Dec 9, 2020 · It was founded in 2019 by Rémy Ngamije and Mutaleni Nadimi to center work by writers across Africa and its diaspora, with a focus on ...
  359. [359]
    Traditional musical instruments in Namibia | Music In Africa
    Jul 17, 2015 · Although the drum is usually considered Africa's heartbeat, bows are more common in Namibia - symbol of the philosopher and sages of the past.
  360. [360]
    Instrumental Music of the Kalahari San | Smithsonian Folkways ...
    Here is a demonstration of music played on gut pluriarc (bow lute), gut hunting bow and sitengena (thumb piano), with vocal accompaniment.
  361. [361]
    Aboxan Musik ǀŌb ǂÂns tsî ǁKhasigu, ancestral musical sound ...
    Dec 15, 2024 · Nama ancestral music has a specific sound, texture and rhythm, consisting of a leading melody and rhythm by either a musical bow, accordion or guitar.
  362. [362]
    HIPS DON'T LIE | Best African Waist Dance - Namibia - YouTube
    Feb 15, 2021 · In most cases Namibian traditional dance and music is performed in groups while incorporating drums, lamellophoned, blowing of horn trumpets ...
  363. [363]
    A group of Nama dancers perform their traditional dance known as ...
    May 28, 2025 · A group of Nama dancers perform their traditional dance known as the "Nama stap" at the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration underway in Windhoek.Missing: ethnic | Show results with:ethnic
  364. [364]
    Immersing Yourself in Namibian Culture: Music, Dance, And Festivals
    Mar 15, 2024 · Popular Namibian dances include the Oshivambo, Ovaherero, and Nama dances, each with its own unique movements and significance. These ...
  365. [365]
    Discover the Ancient Bushman Dance of Namibia: A Spiritual ...
    Jun 23, 2025 · So today I'm going to show you guys a traditional dance from Namibia. Namibia actually has 11 ethnic groups and for this video I specifically ...
  366. [366]
    National Theatre of Namibia
    UNAM Performing Arts Showcase Week 2025 · Details:A two-day celebration of Namibia's rising stars in music, drama, and dance. · Time:18:00.Missing: scene | Show results with:scene
  367. [367]
    UNAM Performing Arts Showcase Week 2025
    Day 1: Music & Drama (23 October, 18H00) opens with the UNAM Brass Band, Mbira performances, the acclaimed UNAM Choir, and a devised theatre work titled Lines, ...
  368. [368]
    Top 10 Namibian Musicians of All Time - Namibia Today
    Dec 15, 2024 · Top 10 Namibian Musicians of All Time · 1. The Dogg · 2. Gazza · 3. Lady May · 4. EES (Eric Sell) · 5. Big Ben · 6. Tate Buti · 7. Top Cheri · 8. Sunny ...
  369. [369]
    The Live In Song music concert held on Saturday, 30 August, at the ...
    Sep 4, 2025 · ... the National Theatre of Namibia was a remarkable celebration of Namibian music and culture. ... Here's a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect ...<|separator|>
  370. [370]
    Namibia media guide - BBC News
    Dec 10, 2024 · An overview of the media in Namibia, including links to broadcasters and newspapers.
  371. [371]
    An idiot's guide to Namibian media - The Media Online
    Sep 27, 2023 · Radio is the trump media in Namibia with NBC and Future Media the dominant players · Newspapers struggling with rising distribution and printing ...
  372. [372]
    [PDF] Namibia's Media: Facing the Digital Challenge - IPPR
    Indeed there are strong indications, as this report will argue, that digital media and related challenges are already transforming Namibia's media landscape.
  373. [373]
    [PDF] Namibians head for elections with confidence in the freedom of their ...
    Nov 19, 2024 · In the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, Namibia fell from 22nd to 34th position out of 180 countries (Reporters Without Borders, 2024).
  374. [374]
    [PDF] AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER
    In Namibia, there are no major media monopolies, but media concentration does exist. NMH, for example, owns three daily newspapers – the Namibian Sun, Die.
  375. [375]
    Media ownership impacts on diversity - The Namibian -
    Jul 20, 2007 · The Namibian government itself owned and controlled the national broadcaster NBC, a news agency, the magazine Namibia Review, a daily paper and ...
  376. [376]
    Namibian Police adopts a Training Module on Freedom ... - UNESCO
    Feb 15, 2024 · This module, now integrated into the basic curriculum for officers of all ranks, aims to strengthen their capacities to promote freedom of expression.
  377. [377]
    Sport in Namibia - Topend Sports
    Popular sports of Namibia. Football (Soccer), rugby union, cricket, golf and fishing, boxing and athletics. Namibia Sporting Success. Great athletes from ...
  378. [378]
    Football for change: Tournament tackles GBV - UNFPA Namibia
    Isak Hamata, Marketing and Sales Director of the Namibia Football Association emphasized the role of football in bringing people together for a common cause.Missing: society | Show results with:society
  379. [379]
    Namibia: Sport Matters - a Deep-Rooted History - allAfrica.com
    Sep 22, 2015 · Namibia, too, has a proud rugby history spanning 99 years from 1916 when South African soldiers introduced the game to the country. In the 1950s ...<|separator|>
  380. [380]
    Remembering Namibia's record-breaking 142-0 Rugby World Cup ...
    Sep 27, 2023 · Facing host Australia in Adelaide, Namibia was beaten 142-0, the largest winning margin in Rugby World Cup history.
  381. [381]
    Namibia Crush UAE to Stay in Race for Men's Rugby World Cup ...
    Jul 28, 2025 · KAMPALA, Uganda – Namibia kept their Rugby World Cup dream alive with a resounding 86–29 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the Asia/ ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  382. [382]
    National sport supporters jersey unveiled - Republikein
    Aug 20, 2024 · The initiative is part of a broader effort to brand Namibia through sport and foster a sense of unity and national identity among citizens.
  383. [383]
    Some of Namibia's post-Independence sports icons - New Era
    Aug 25, 2015 · Johanna Benson in 2012 became Namibia's first Paralympics medalist when he she scooped gold and silver medals in the women's T37 100m and 200m ...
  384. [384]
    The highs and lows of sport: 27 years since independence
    Mar 20, 2017 · Sport in Namibia has, over the years, struggled to claim a top spot on the list of priorities on the national budget, with the sport ministry receiving a ...