Namibia is a country located in southern Africa, bordered by Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, South Africa to the south and southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It has a population of approximately 2.5 million people and its capital and largest city is Windhoek.

Namibia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Namib Desert, the Kalahari Desert, the Fish River Canyon, and Etosha National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife such as lions, elephants, and giraffes. The country is also rich in culture and history, with a diverse population that includes indigenous groups such as the San people, as well as European, African, and Asian communities.

The official language of Namibia is English, although many other languages are spoken throughout the country, including Afrikaans, German, and several indigenous languages such as Oshiwambo, Herero, and Damara. Namibia has a relatively high standard of living compared to other countries in Africa, with a diverse economy that includes mining, agriculture, and tourism.

Some popular tourist attractions in Namibia include:

Sossusvlei - a breathtaking area of the Namib Desert known for its towering sand dunes.

Etosha National Park - a vast protected area home to a variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, and rhinos.

Fish River Canyon - one of the largest canyons in the world, with stunning views and hiking trails.

Swakopmund - a charming coastal town with a mix of German colonial and African influences, known for its adventure activities such as sandboarding and skydiving.

Skeleton Coast - a rugged, remote area along the Atlantic coast known for its shipwrecks, wildlife, and otherworldly landscapes.

Damaraland - a scenic region of the country known for its rugged terrain, unique rock formations, and ancient rock art.

Caprivi Strip - a narrow strip of land in the northeast of the country that offers opportunities for game viewing, birdwatching, and fishing.

Namibia is generally a safe and welcoming country for tourists, but it is important to take precautions to avoid crime and stay healthy while traveling. Visitors should be aware of the risks of malaria and other diseases, and take appropriate measures such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing. It is also recommended to avoid traveling alone at night and to be aware of scams and pickpocketing in tourist areas.

Telephone Code
264

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 2032276; Fire: 2032270; Police: 1011

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Currency (Code)
Namibian dollars (NAD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, M

Major Languages
Oshiwambo languages, Nama/Damara, Kavango languages, Afrikaans, Herero languages, Zambezi languages, English, other European languages

Major Religions
Christian 80% to 90% (at least 50% Lutheran), indigenous beliefs 10% to 20%

Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Etosha National Park; Fish River Canyon; Sossusvlei; Cape Cross; Swakopmund; Caprivi Strip; Twyfelfontein; Namib-Naukluft National Park; Kalahari Desert; Chobe River

Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, cricket, golf

Cultural Practices
In professional settings, people are often referred to by their surnames; it is considered informal to use first names immediately.

Tipping Guidelines
At hotels, tip about 30 Namibian dollars per guest per day. Leave your tip in a communal tipping box. If you would like to tip porters, 10 Namibian dollars is recommended. For specialist guides, tip 50 Namibian dollars per guest per day.

Souvenirs
Stone and wood carvings, karosse woven rugs, woven palm baskets, Herero dolls, diamond/precious gem and beaded jewelry, swakara woolen clothing and swakopmunder leather shoes

Traditional Cuisine
Meat and pap — pap (a traditional porridge made from ground maize or pearl millet) served with meat, cabbage, or fish

Geography
Area
total: 824,292 sq km
land: 823,290 sq km
water: 1,002 sq km

Climate
desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Natural resources
diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, silver, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, tungsten, zinc, salt, hydropower, fish; note - suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore

People and Society
Population
2,777,232 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Ovambo 50%, Kavangos 9%, Herero 7%, Damara 7%, mixed European and African ancestry 6.5%, European 6%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%

Languages
Oshiwambo languages 49.7%, Nama/Damara 11%, Kavango languages 10.4%, Afrikaans 9.4% (also a common language), Herero languages 9.2%, Zambezi languages 4.9%, English (official) 2.3%, other African languages 1.5%, other European languages 0.7%, other 1% (2016 est.)

Religions
Christian 97.5%, other 0.6% (includes Muslim, Baha'i, Jewish, Buddhist), unaffiliated 1.9% (2020 est.)

Population growth rate
1.8% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Windhoek

Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income, export-driven Sub-Saharan economy; natural resource rich; Walvis Bay port expansion for trade; high potential for renewable power generation and energy independence; major nature-based tourist locale; natural resource rich; shortage of skilled labor

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$23.12 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$9,100 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
beef, milk, grapes, millet, maize, mutton, pork, chickens, goats, wheat

Industries
mining, tourism, fishing, agriculture

Exports
$3.955 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
China 29%, South Africa 20%, Botswana 8%, Belgium 6%, Zambia 4% (2020)

Exports - commodities
copper, gold, diamonds, uranium, fish (2020)

Imports
$6.055 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
South Africa 40%, Zambia 20%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 6%, China 5%, Bulgaria 3% (2020)

Imports - commodities
copper, refined petroleum, delivery trucks, cobalt, cars (2020)