Gallery
Visitor Info Namibia
General
Surface area: 824 268 km 2
Capital: Windhoek Independence: 21 March 1990 Current president: Hifkepunye Pohamba Multiparty Parliament Democratic Constitution Division of power between executive, legislature and judiciary
Secular state—freedom of religion (90% Christian)
Freedom of the press/media
Flora
14 vegetation zones 120 species of trees 200 endemic plant species 100 plus species of lichen
Living fossil plant: Welwitschia mirabilis
Fauna
Big game: Elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, giraffe 20 antelope species
240 mammal species (14 endemic) 250 reptile species 50 frog species 676 bird species
Endemic birds include Herero Chat, Rockrunner, Damara Tern, Monteiro’s Hornbill
Environment
Nature reserves, 15% of surface area Highest mountain: Brandberg Other prominent mountains: Spitzkoppe, Moltkeblick, Gamsberg
Perennial rivers: Orange, Kunene, Okavango, Zambezi and Kwando/Linyanti/Chobe Ephemeral rivers: Numerous, including Fish, Kuiseb, Swakop and Ugab
Climate in °C
Feb 16–30˚C 60–86˚F Apr 13–29˚C 65–84˚F June 7–22˚C 45–72˚F Aug 9–24˚C 48–75˚F Oct 12–30˚C 54–86˚F Dec 16–30˚C 61–86˚F
Money matters
The Namibia dollar (N$) is fxed to and equals the SA rand. The South African rand is also legal tender. Traveller’s cheques, foreign currency, International Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted
Foreign representation
More than 50 countries have Namibian consular or embassy representation in Windhoek. For information, contact Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting—Tel (+264 61) 282 9111
Tax and customs
All goods and services are priced to include value-added tax of 15%. Visitors may reclaim VAT. Enquiries: Ministry of Finance— Tel (+264 61) 23 0773 in Windhoek
Drinking water
Most tap water is purifed and safe to drink. Visitors should exercise caution in rural areas
Transport
Public transport is NOT available to all destinations in Namibia. There are bus services from Windhoek–Cape Town/Johannesburg/Vic Falls/Swakopmund. Namibia’s main railway line runs from the South African border, connecting Windhoek to Swakopmund in the west and Tsumeb in the north. There is an extensive network of international and regional fights from Windhoek. Domestic charters to all destinations
Physical infrastructure
5 450 km tarred roads, 37 000 km gravel roads Harbours: Walvis Bay, Lüderitz
Main Airports: Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros Airport, 46 airstrips Rail network: 2 382 km narrow gauge 6.2 telephone lines per 100 inhabitants Direct-dialling facilities to 221 countries Mobile communication system: GSM Agreements with 117 countries/255 networks Postal Service affliated to Universal Postal Union
Social infrastructure
One medical doctor per 3 650 people Two privately run hospitals in Windhoek with intensive-care units
Medical practitioners (world standard) 24-hour medical emergency services
Population
2.1 million Density: 2.2 per km 2
240 000 inhabitants in Windhoek (15% of total) Offcial language: English 13 regions, 13 ethnic cultures 16 languages and dialects Adult literacy rate: 85% Population growth rate: 2.6% Schools: 1 450
Economy
Main sectors: Mining, Fishing, Tourism & Agriculture
Biggest employer: Agriculture (46%) Fastest-growing sector: Tourism
Mining: Diamonds, uranium, copper, lead, zinc, magnesium, cadmium, arsenic, pyrites, silver and gold, lithium minerals, dimension stones (granite, marble, blue sodalite) and many semi-precious stones