Namibia
The Republic of Namibia, located in southern Africa between Angola and South Africa, is a nation defined by its vast deserts, low population density, and remarkable commitment to democracy and environmental conservation. Since gaining independence in 1990, Namibia has maintained political stability, good governance, and a high level of institutional integrity. Endowed with rich mineral resources and spectacular natural landscapes, the country exemplifies a successful post-colonial transition in Africa, combining steady democratic practice with sustainable development policies.
Historical Background
Before European colonisation, the territory of modern Namibia was inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, including the San (Bushmen), Nama, Damara, and Herero peoples, each with distinct languages and pastoral or hunter-gatherer traditions.
In 1884, Germany declared the region its protectorate, naming it German South West Africa. German colonisation brought harsh rule and conflict, most tragically seen in the Herero and Namaqua genocide (1904–1908), in which tens of thousands perished following uprisings against German authority.
During World War I, South African forces occupied the colony, and in 1920, the League of Nations granted South Africa a mandate to administer the territory. After World War II, South Africa sought to annex it formally, defying United Nations resolutions calling for independence. The imposition of apartheid laws led to decades of resistance.
The South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), formed in 1960 under Sam Nujoma, spearheaded the liberation movement, launching a guerrilla war of independence in 1966. Years of military struggle and international pressure culminated in the 1988 Tripartite Accords, through which South Africa agreed to a UN-supervised withdrawal. Namibia achieved full independence on 21 March 1990 under UN Resolution 435.
SWAPO has dominated post-independence politics, evolving from a liberation movement into a mainstream political party. Sam Nujoma (1990–2005) was succeeded by Hifikepunye Pohamba (2005–2015) and Hage Geingob (2015–2025). In March 2025, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah became Namibia’s first female president, continuing SWAPO’s leadership amid growing political pluralism, notably from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and Popular Democratic Movement (PDM).
Geography and Environment
Namibia spans 824,292 sq km, bordered by Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa, with 1,572 km of Atlantic coastline. The landscape is dominated by the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert, stretching along the western coast, and the Kalahari Desert to the east. The interior features elevated plateaus and rugged mountains, including Königstein (2,573 m) in the Brandberg range.
The climate is predominantly arid to semi-arid, with hot days, cool nights, and sparse rainfall concentrated in the summer months. Water scarcity is a persistent issue, limiting agriculture and rural development.
Natural resources: Namibia possesses major deposits of diamonds, uranium, gold, copper, zinc, lithium, and rare earth minerals. Fisheries and livestock farming are important, while oil and coal exploration continues.
Protected areas: Approximately 14% of land is officially protected, including the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest conservation area in Africa. Nearly 50% of Namibia’s land area falls under some form of community-based conservation, making it a global pioneer in sustainable wildlife management.
Environmental challenges: desertification, overgrazing, poaching, and climate-induced droughts. Namibia is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and multiple African transfrontier conservation initiatives.
People and Society
Namibia’s estimated 2024 population is 2.8 million, making it one of the least densely populated countries in the world.
- Urban population: 54.9%
- Capital: Windhoek (≈477,000 residents)
- Median age: 22.8 years
- Population growth: 1.72%
- Fertility rate: 2.89 children per woman
- Life expectancy: 65.9 years
Ethnic composition:
- Ovambo (50%), Kavango (9%), Herero (7%), Damara (7%), Nama (5%), Caprivian (4%), San (3%), European (6%), and mixed ancestry (6.5%).
Languages: English is the official language, while Oshiwambo, Nama/Damara, Afrikaans, and Herero are widely spoken among the 13 recognised national languages.
Religion: Predominantly Christian (97.5%), mainly Lutheran, alongside small Muslim and Baháʼí minorities.
Education: Namibia spends 9.4% of GDP on education—among the highest globally. Literacy exceeds 90%, and the country boasts one of Africa’s most gender-balanced parliaments, with 40% female representation.
Health indicators:
- Health expenditure: 9.4% of GDP
- Physician density: 0.55 per 1,000 people
- Maternal mortality: 139 deaths per 100,000 live births
- Infant mortality: 27.9 per 1,000 live births
- Water access: 96% (urban), sanitation: 23.6% (rural)
While health infrastructure is improving, rural-urban inequalities persist, particularly in access to sanitation and specialised care.
Government and Politics
Namibia is a presidential republic governed by one of Africa’s most respected constitutions, adopted on 9 February 1990.
- President: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (since March 2025)
- Capital: Windhoek
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Legislature: Bicameral Parliament
- National Assembly: 104 seats (96 elected, 8 appointed)
- National Council: 42 seats (indirectly elected)
- Judiciary: Independent; Supreme Court and High Court serve as the highest authorities.
In the 2024 elections, SWAPO won 51 seats, followed by IPC (20), Affirmative Repositioning Movement (6), Landless People’s Movement (5), PDM (5), and others (9).
Suffrage: Universal from 18 yearsAdministrative divisions: 14 regions, including Khomas, Erongo, Oshana, and Zambezi.
Namibia’s governance model is often cited for transparency, press freedom, and judicial independence. The country enjoys consistent peaceful transitions of power and low levels of political violence, distinguishing it within the region.
Economy
Namibia has an upper-middle-income, export-driven economy, diversified across mining, fishing, manufacturing, and tourism. The Walvis Bay Port serves as a critical logistics hub for landlocked southern African neighbours.
Key indicators (2024):
- GDP (PPP): $31.15 billion
- GDP per capita (PPP): $10,300
- Growth rate: 3.7%
- Inflation: 4.2%
- Unemployment: 19.2% (youth 37.3%)
- Gini index: 59.1 (high inequality)
Sectoral composition:
- Agriculture: 7.3%
- Industry: 28.9%
- Services: 54.5%
Major industries: Mining, fishing, tourism, and renewable energy. Namibia ranks among the world’s top producers of diamonds and uranium.
Trade:
- Exports: $5.89 billion (gold, diamonds, fish, uranium, refined petroleum)
- Imports: $9.2 billion (fuel, vehicles, machinery, electricity)
- Main partners: South Africa, China, Botswana, Belgium, France
- Reserves: $3.36 billion
- Exchange rate: 1 USD = 18.33 NAD (pegged to South African rand)
Though inequality remains severe, Namibia’s macroeconomic management, fiscal prudence, and natural wealth ensure relative resilience and creditworthiness.
Energy and Infrastructure
Namibia’s energy policy prioritises renewable generation and self-sufficiency:
- Electricity access: 56.2% (urban 75%, rural 33%)
- Installed capacity: 646,000 kW
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Energy mix:
- Hydropower: 70%
- Solar: 27%
- Wind: 1%
- Fossil fuels: 2%
The Ruacana Hydropower Station on the Kunene River provides most domestic electricity, supplemented by imports from South Africa and Zambia. Investment in green hydrogen and solar power near Lüderitz positions Namibia as a future regional energy exporter.
Infrastructure is extensive and well-maintained, including road and rail links, international airports (Windhoek Hosea Kutako and Walvis Bay), and modern seaports.
Society, Culture, and Heritage
Namibia’s culture reflects a synthesis of indigenous African traditions, German colonial influences, and South African legacies.
National symbols:
- Flag: Blue, red, green, white, and yellow design symbolising unity and prosperity
- National animal: Oryx antelope
- National anthem: “Namibia, Land of the Brave” (1991)
UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Twyfelfontein /Ui-//aes – ancient rock engravings
- Namib Sand Sea – vast coastal dune ecosystem
Namibia is a global leader in community-based wildlife conservation, responsible for the successful revival of endangered species such as black rhinos and cheetahs. Traditional crafts, storytelling, and music remain integral to its diverse cultural heritage.
Defence and Foreign Relations
The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) includes Army, Navy, and Air Force branches, with approximately 12,000 active personnel and 2.8% of GDP in defence expenditure. The NDF engages in peacekeeping, border security, and anti-poaching operations.
Namibia’s foreign policy is guided by non-alignment, African solidarity, and regional cooperation. It is an active member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU), and United Nations. The country maintains close relations with South Africa, China, India, and Germany, and contributes troops to UN and AU peacekeeping missions.
