34 Namibia Facts: Learn About This Country In Southwest Africa

Did you know that Namibia was a former German colony and is now an African country in Southwest Africa?

Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world and its capital, Windhoek, is located on the Kalahari Plateau. It's home to beautiful landscapes, interesting wildlife, and rich culture.

Namibia is the second-largest country in Africa, covering an area of 318,697 sq mi (824,292 sq km), and is home to over 2.4 million people.

Namibia is a country in southern Africa, that has borders with Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. The capital of Namibia is Windhoek, which has an area of 7 sq mi (18 km²).

In total, there are nine regions: Caprivi Strip (north), Kavango West (northeast), Kavango East (east), Ohangwena (northwest), Oshana (central north), Omusati (north central), Zambezi Region (southwest), and the Hardap Region.

Namibia has a mixed economy with both private and state participation in industry, commerce, finance, agriculture (millet), mining (diamonds), tourism, and fishing.

On March 21, 1990, decades after the end of World War I, the country declared its independence.

South Africa handed Walvis Bay to Namibia in 1994, after the first multiracial elections.

Namibia is not a landlocked country, meaning it has a coastline. The rest of Namibia has a variety of landscapes, including mountains, savannahs, rivers, and forests.

The Namib Desert covers almost a third of the country and is one of the oldest deserts in the world.

The country is home to over 100 different species of mammals, including the black rhinoceros, elephant, lion, and giraffe.

Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world. With a population of only around two million people, it's one of the least populated countries on Earth.

The currency used in Namibia is the South African Rand (ZAR).

The current Prime Minister of the country is Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.

From its unique wildlife to its rich culture and history, Namibia has a lot to offer tourists and visitors. If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating country, read on! In this article, we will share 34 interesting facts about Namibia.

Places To Visit In Namibia 

Namibia is a great place to visit for tourists looking to experience some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many interesting places to visit in Namibia. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include the Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon, the Sossusvlei Dunes, and Damaraland.

This African country has many national parks and reserves that provide an opportunity for visitors to see wildlife up close including rhinos, elephants, lions, and giraffes in their natural habitat.

There are also nature trails where hikers can explore rugged mountains, sand dunes, and lush forests.

One of the most popular places for visitors include Etosha National Park (northwest), which is home to many different species including rhinos and elephants.

Sossusvlei (central), is where one can see some of Africa's highest sand dunes.

Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia, is the second-largest canyon in Africa.

Namib-Naukluft National Park (southwest), is where one can see the spectacular views of Sesriem Canyon.

The Cape-Namibia Route is a route that connects Cape Town, South Africa, to Windhoek, Namibia, covering a distance of nearly 994 mi (1600 km).

The Skeleton Coast is the northern border of Namibia's Atlantic coast, while the term 'skeleton coast' is sometimes used to refer to the whole Namib Desert coast.

The Skeleton Coast was known as 'The Land God Made in Anger' by the Bushmen of Namibia's interior, and it was formerly referred to as 'The Gates of Hell' by Portuguese mariners.

Demographics Of Namibia

Namibia is a multi-ethnic country. The Ovambo people make up the largest ethnic group, accounting for approximately half of the population. Other major ethnic groups include Kavango (16%), Damara (12%), Herero (11%), and Namaqua (six percent).

The people of Namibia are called Namibians.

The official language of Namibia is English, although there are also numerous languages that the indigenous tribes speak throughout the country.

Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by traditional African beliefs.

Namibian culture is a mixture of ethnic groups and languages. The official language is English, but there are many indigenous languages spoken throughout the country.

Some of these include Afrikaans (German), Oshiwambo (Ovambo), Kavango (Kavangoan).

From the late 18th century onwards, Oorlams from Cape Colony bridged the Orange River and settled in what is now southern Namibia.

There are also German settlers who have kept their culture alive with music, dance, and food.

According to a census in 2011, Namibia has a population of around two million people.

That's only about 0.03% of the world's total and means there are fewer than six people per square kilometer.

The average life expectancy is 61 years old for men and women combined (the median age at death).

Climate Conditions & Geography

Namibia is the driest country in the western Sahara region. There are mountains, savannahs, deserts, and forests. The Namib Desert covers almost a third of the country and is one of the oldest deserts in the world. The chilly, north-flowing currents of the Atlantic Ocean dominate weather and climate in the coastal area, accounting for very little precipitation.

Namibia is a non-landlocked country in southern Africa. It has borders with Angola (to the north), Botswana (east), South Africa (south), and Zambia (northwest).

The capital of Namibia is Windhoek, which has an area of 7 sq mi (18 km²).

The country is about twice the size of California but has a population of only around two million people, making it one of the least populated countries in the world.

The population is unevenly distributed, with most people living in the central and eastern parts of Namibia.

Namibia is about the size of Texas. It's larger than both California and New York combined.

The capital city of Namibia is Windhoek. It's located in the center at an elevation of about 500 m (1640 ft) above sea level.

The Namib Desert covers almost a third of the country and is one of the oldest deserts in the world. The rest of Namibia has a variety of landscapes, including mountains, savannahs, rivers, and forests.

The highest point in Namibia is Mount Etjo at more than 6000 m above sea level (almost 20,000 ft).

Namibia is an arid country with a subtropical desert climate characterized by hot summers (December to April) and mild winters (May to August).

The average annual temperature in the daytime varies between 15°C on the coast up northwards towards 35°C inland from east to west.

There are two distinct rainfall seasons: the wet season lasts from November through April and the dry season runs from May until October.

 Namibia is a fascinating country with a rich culture and history. There are many interesting places to visit, including national parks, reserves, and scenic areas. The currency used in Namibia is the South African Rand, and the official language is English. The population of the country is about two million people.

FAQs

What are some fun facts about Namibia?

The government of Namibia is a republic with an executive president as its head.

The name 'Namibia' is derived from the Namib Desert, which covers almost a third of the country.

The population of Namibia is around two million people, making it one of the least populated countries in the world.

The country also has a small fishery industry along with some manufacturing activities such as meat processing, beverage production, and vehicle assembly.

Namibia's agricultural sector produces millet, sorghum, maize, cattle, and sheep.

Namibia has many interesting places to visit, including the Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon, the Sossusvlei Dunes, and Damaraland.

Where is Namibia located?

Namibia is located in Southwest Africa and has an area of about 318,697 sq mi (825,418 sq km). The capital city of Namibia is Windhoek. It is situated in the center of Namibia at an elevation of about 500 m (1640 ft) above sea level.

How did Namibia get its shape?

The country is named after the Namib Desert, which in turn was named after the Nama people who inhabit the area. The word 'Namib' means 'vast place'.

How do you pronounce Namibia?

The official pronunciation of Namibia is 'NAH-mih-bee-uh.' However, some people pronounce it as 'NAH-mih-biya,' which has a similar but softer sound.

What explains the low population density of Namibia?

The low population density is due to the country's harsh environment, which makes it difficult to live in. The desert climate and lack of water resources make agriculture and settlement challenging.

What is the population of Namibia?

The current population of Namibia is about two million people.

What language do they speak in Namibia?

Namibia's official languages are English and Afrikaans. However, many other languages are also used throughout the country, such as Nama and Khoi-San.