Official name – Republic of Namibia
Area – 825, 418 km2 (318,696 sq mi) – 34th largest country in the world.
Population – 2,1 mln; 235th country according to population.
Population density – 2.5 sq/km, (6.6/sq mi).
Regions – 13
Ethnic groups – 13
Independence Day, National Holiday – 21 March. Independence gained on 21st March, 1990.
Capital – Windhoek (biggest city) – population @ 240 000.
Political system – Parliamentarian democracy
President – Hifikepunye Pohamba
Official Language – English
Religion – 80% Christian, 20% local religions
Currency – Namibian Dollar (NAD) 1 NAD = 100 cents
Credit cards – all generally accepted
Driving – on the left-hand side
Internet – there are Internet cafes situated throughout the country
Tarred Roads – 5,450km
Gravel Roads – 37,000km
Literacy – 85%
Life expectancy – 43 years
Climate – May/September cool and dry, October/November hot and dry. December/April hot, rainy season.
Highest point – Koningstein 2,606m (Brandberg Mountain)
Main Ports – Walvis Bay & Ludertiz
Annual growth rate – 2.6%, depressed by HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, estimated to be 15.3% of the population
Tap water – safe to drink/purified bottled water available in most towns
Electrical current – 220 volts AC
Dialing code: +264
Mobile phone communications – telephone roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators.
Shopping – Windhoek offers a selection of fashionable shops. Local crafts, curios & souvenirs can be purchased in specialized shops or at the craft markets.
Did you know? – Namibia is the first country in the world to write Nature Conservation in country’s constitution.
People
Ethnic groups – About 50% of the population belong to Ovambo ethnic group, Kavango 9%, Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2% and Tswana 0.5%.
Languages – English (official); Afrikaans, German, Oshivambo, Herero, Nama/Damara, Portuguese and other indigenous languages.
Education – compulsory to age 16.
Adult literacy rate – 85% (2005)