Country Profile · No. 36

Namibia

Capital / Admin Capital

WindhoekPopulation: ~3.0MIndependence: 1990 (March 21)

First President

Sam Nujoma (1990–2005)Current President: Nangolo Mbumba (Serving since February 2024 following the passing of President Hage Geingob)

Geography & Borders

South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Angola, Atlantic Ocean. Arid southwestern African nation encompassing both the ancient Namib Desert along the coast and the Kalahari Desert in the east.

Demographics & Language

Christianity (~80%–90%). Official: English language. National recognized languages include Oshiwambo, Afrikaans, Otjiherero, Nama, German. Major groups: Ovambo (~50%), Kavango (~9%), Herero (~7%), Damara (~7%), White Namibians (~6%).

Economy & GDP

Mining (diamonds, uranium, zinc, gold), livestock farming, ecotourism, commercial fishing.

Global Diaspora

1. South Africa (~100k), 2. Germany (~20k), 3. United Kingdom (~5k), 4. United States (~2k–3k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Washington D.C., California, Texas.

Major Conflicts

Namibian War of Independence (1966–1988, South African Border War fought by SWAPO against South African apartheid administration), Herero and Nama genocide (1904–1908 under German colonial rule).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei (Namib Desert) (Iconic towering red sand dunes surrounding stark white clay pans studded with 900-year-old skeletal camel thorn trees), 2. Etosha National Park (Premier wildlife sanctuary centered around a massive shimmering salt pan, home to rhinos, lions, and elephants), 3. Fish River Canyon (The largest canyon in Africa, featuring breathtaking plunging gorges and rugged hiking trails).

Quick Facts

One of the least densely populated countries on Earth, renowned for its pristine conservation efforts protecting free-roaming desert elephants, black rhinos, and cheetahs; features the dramatic Skeleton Coast where rusting shipwrecks meet Atlantic waves.