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The Republic of Namibia

History

Government Observers

Country Facts

By the beginning of the sixteenth century, the northern region of modern-day Namibia had already been settled by the Herero and Ovambo peoples. Its inhospitable geographic landscape proved to be an effective impediment to European exploration up until the late eighteenth century. Namibia's modern borders were for the most part established in 1890 when Britain and Germany finalized the demarcation of their spheres of influence in southern Africa. Named German South West Africa, Namibia came under firm German colonial control. During the first decade of the twentieth century, both the Herero and the Nama rebelled against the oppression they suffered at the hands of the Germans. The Herero, in particular, were savagely dealt with by the Germans who committed genocide against them; a year after the 1904 Herero rebellion only 25% of the Herero people were still alive. After WWI Germany lost, her African colonies and Nambia fell under the control of South Africa and became known as South West Africa (SWA).

During the 1960's, when the vast majority of European nations were forced to relinquish control of their African colonies, South Africa refused to do the same for SWA. In response, the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) established itself and vehemently protested against continued occupation by South Africa. Despite the escalating military resistance of SWAPO and the condemnation of the international community via the United Nations, South Africa did not heed the call for Namibian independence until late 1988, when it started to earnestly participate in the transition process. On March 21, 1990 Namibia achieved full independence under the leadership of President Sam Nujoma, who continues to hold the presidency.

Chairman's Statement:

Diamonds in Namibia are of very good quality, with nearly 98% of production ranked as gem quality. More than half of these diamonds are produced from the sea off the Namibian coast.

President: His Excellency Hifikepunye Lucas POHAMBA

Ministry of Mines and Energy: Henry Isak Amalovu KATALI

Diamond Secretary: Kennedy HAMUTENYA

Ministry Of Mines And Energy

Private Bag 13297

Trust Centre - Independence Avenue

Windhoek, Namibia

Telephone: +264 61 226571

Population: 2,128,471

Capital: Windhoek

Major languages: English (official language), Afrikaans, German, Oshivambo, Herero, Nama

Major religion: Christianity, Indigenous Belief Systems

Life expectancy: 58 years (men), 60 years (women)

Monetary unit: 1 Namibian dollar = 100 cents

Main exports: Diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium, livestock

Average annual income: US $2,050

Internet domain: .na

International dialing code: +264