Namibia Tourist Information

At the Namibia tourism information page, you will find all the Namibia tourism information in a nutshell!

The life expectancy at birth: 56 years

The earliest inhabitants of Namibia: were the Khoisan

Namibia is sparsely populated: because it is one of the world’s driest countries.

Northern Namibia: Skeleton Coast is the scene of many shipwrecks

Location: Southern Africa, facing the Atlantic Ocean

Neighbours: Angola, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa

Official Name: Republic of Namibia
Divisions: Thirteen regions and ninety three local government areas.

Namibia Capital: Windhoek

Largest cities: Windhoek, Swakopmund, Oshakati, Rundu, Rehoboth, Keetmanshoop

Flag: the flag of Namibia features a red diagonal stripe, with white borders, running from bottom left to top right. This stripe separates a blue triangle with a yellow Sun, top left, from a green triangle, bottom right

National anthem: Namibia, land of the brave

Major Languages: English (official language); Ovambo; Kavango; Afrikaans; Herero; Damara/Nama

Currency: Namibian Dollar (N$) = 100 cents

Geography: With an area of 824, 293 sq.km, Namibia is Africa’s fifteenth largest country. Behind the narrow coastal plain, Namibia forms part of the Southern Plateau, which makes up most of Southern Africa. Central Namibia lies mainly between about 3,000 and 6,500 ft (900-2,000m) above sea level, although Brandberg, Namibia’s highest point, reaches 2,580 m on the west of the plateau.

In eastern Namibia, the land descends to the Kalahari basin. The Orange River borders South Africa in the south, while the Kunene and Okavango Rivers form parts of the northern border with Angola. In the far northeast, the Zambezi River flows along the border with the Caprivi Strip, a narrow corridor of land linking Namibia with Zambia.

Namibia has a warm, dry climate. North-central Namibia has about 51 cm of rain a year, although in recent years, Namibia has been receiving exceptional high falls. The tropical savannah provides a habitat for many animals.

The rainfall on the plateau decreases to the south. The coastal Namib Desert is one of the worlds’ bleakest areas. The Kalahari Desert, in the east, is actually a semi desert.

Chief farm products: Corn, dairy products, livestock, millet, sorghum, vegetables, wheat, wool

Chief mineral resources: Diamonds, uranium, copper, gold, lead, zinc

Chief Industrial products: Cut diamonds, karakul sheep pelts, refined metals, processed food, textiles

Exports: Diamonds and other minerals; farm products, including cattle

Per capita income: $ 2,110

Employment: Services – 36%; agriculture – 49% and industry – 15%.

Food customs at Ceremonial Occasions: important occasions are marked by the slaughter of cattle or goats and the consumption of meat, home brewed beer, purchased beverages and other foods. In some cultures, leftover meat is sent home with the guests.

Symbols of Social Stratification: The wealthier classes of all races are distinguished by expensive cars, large homes in exclusive neighbourhoods, a command of English, attendance at private schools, and extensive travel.

Leadership and Political Officials: Voters elect parties, rather than candidates, and the parties select representatives to fill the seats they win.

Social Problems and Control: Although crime levels are relatively low, recent years have seen a slight increase in violence and crime. One has to take safety precautions (l) especially in the larger cities and deserted tourism attractions.

Military Activity: The major post-independence military accomplishment was merging the previously opposed People’s Liberation Army of Namibia and South West African Territorial Force into a single national army.

Etiquette: Extended greetings and handshakes are very important in most Namibian cultures. When food and drink is offered, it is polite to accept. There is a general emphasis on emotional restrain in public, and a public display of affection between spouses or lovers is frowned upon in rural areas.

Secular Celebrations: Celebrations with national or political significance include New Year’s Day (1 JANUARY); Independence Day ( 21 MARCH); Workers’ Day (1 MAY); Cassinga Day (4 MAY) which commemorates the deaths of hundreds of Namibian refugees in a 1978 attack; Heroes Day (26 AUGUST) and Christmas Day (25 DECEMBER).