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Uprisings of the native people against the colonial power resulted in an increase in German forces in the colony, and the successive events became known as the Herero and Namaqua Genocide, with the Germans killing off about half of the native populations.
British South Africa took control of German South West Africa during World War I, eventually trying to absorb the territory into South Africa. The UN prevented this from happening, and the people of Namibia began to fight for independence, sparking the Namibian War of Independence. South Africa continued its presence in Namibia, though there was pressure from the UN to turn over power. The country finally transitioned into a sovereign nation in 1990.
Neighboring Countries
Namibia shares borders with Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa, and is just across the Zambezi river from Zimbabwe.
Major Cities
- Windhoek (capital)
- Luderitz
- Swakopmund
- Tsumeb
- Ondangwa
- Oshakati
Namibia is primarily situated in desert regions, with the Namib Desert along the coast and the Kalahari Desert inland. The Namib Desert is a gravelly plain, with tall sand dunes, and includes the regions of the Skeleton Coast and Kaokoveld. The Kalahari Desert also features areas like the Succulent Karoo with holds a third of the succulents worldwide, many of which are endemic to the region. The central corridor of Namibia features the Central Plateau, where Namibia's highest point stands 2,606 meters (8,550 feet) above sea level at Brandberg Mountain in Konigstein.
The flat and sandy Bushveld in northeastern Namibia is a wetter region, featuring woodlands and grassy plains. Likewise, the Great Escarpment, Namibia's other main geographic zone is wetter than the desert regions along the outer edges of the country, and is also somewhat mountainous. The Orange river flows past Namibia, forming its border with South Africa in the Karas region, while the Zambezi river forms part of its border with Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Ekuma, Oshigambo, and Omurambo Ovambo rivers flow into the Etosha National Park.
Points of Interest
Namibia features several scenic destinations, including its famous Namib and Kalahari Deserts and national parks, like Etosha National Park, which is home to a large nature reserve with big game like zebras, giraffes, rhinos, lions, and elephants. Namibia is home to the world's second largest canyon, at Fish River Canyon Park.
Transportation
The main airport of Namibia is Hosea Kutako International, outside of Windhoek. The airport offers service to many destinations in Africa and a few in Europe, including to Germany. There are several international highways leading into Namibia, so car and bus are good potential methods of reaching the country and getting around. Roads in Namibia are often paved and well maintained, particularly in the well traveled regions of the country. Minibuses or shared taxis are a good way of getting around the country, as are the railways, with service between major cities including Windhoek, Walvis Bay, and Tsumeb.
ACOD~20131203
Last Updated on: September 09, 2020
Official Name
Republic of Namibia
ContinentAfrica
Lat Long22 00 S, 17 00 E
Area825,615 km2 (318,696 sq mi)
Population2606971
CapitalWindhoek
Largest CityWindhoek
Major ReligionChristian 80% to 90% (at least 50% Lutheran), indigenous beliefs 10% to 20%
National DayIndependence Day, 21 March (1990)
Form of GovernmentUnitary dominant-party semi-presidential republic
PresidentHage Geingob
Vice PresidentNangolo Mbumba
Prime MinisterSaara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
CurrencyNamibian dollar (NAD)
GDP$18.800 billion 2014 estimate
Calling Code264
Time ZoneWAT (UTC+1) Summer (DST) WAST (UTC+2)
Internet TLD.na