Namibia was colonized by Germany and South Africa and names South West Africa. Here are some other basic facts about Namibia you’ll like to know, the name of the country is derived from the Namib Desert, considered to be the oldest desert in the world. Namibia lies at the south west coast of Africa.
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It is bordered on the north by Angola and Zambia. On the east, it is bordered by Botswana, and on the south, by South Africa. The Atlantic Ocean is on the west. Namibia is the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa.
Population: 2.303 million (2013)
Capital: Windhoek
Currency: Namibian dollar (NAD)
President: Hage Geingob
Prime Minister: Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
Continent: Africa
Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic
Official Language: English
Random Facts About Namibia
Here are ten more random facts about Namibia for you…
1. YOUNG POPULATION
The population of Namibia, in comparison to those of other African countries, is low. Namibia has a population of only about 1.7 million. But that is not the point of interest here. What is of interest is the age of the entire population. Of the 1.7 million, a whopping 44% is 14 years old and under!
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2. TAKE-HOME MEAT
Cattle herding is a popular occupation in Namibia. It is little wonder then that Namibians eat a lot of meat. Meat is very abundant especially at parties and feasts. And when the feast is over, most Namibian cultures make guests go home with leftover meat.
3. UNCLEAR LAND OWNERSHIP
Private land ownership is not possible all over the country. The practice is only within central and southern Namibia. However, at all other places, private land ownership is an oddity! It is either against the bylaw of the area or it is too costly to do so.
4. WEALTH INEQUITY
In Namibia, distribution of wealth is very lopsided. The majority is poor while the minority lives large. Whites Namibians make up only 7% of the population. However, it is this 7% that either manages and/or owns most large businesses and commercial farms.
5. INHERIT THROUGH MOTHER
The Namibian society is matrilineal. The maternal lineage is considered as of more importance and social strength that the paternal side. And when it comes to property inheritance, what counts is the lineage traced through the matrilineal process.
6. LOVE ONLY SECRETLY
Namibia is still conservative of the all cherished moral values. In the towns, especially as a result of western media, certain things are accommodated. But especially in the rural areas, it is an oddity to show affection in the public. The society views that as wayward.
7. VISITORS’ TREAT
In showing hospitality, some Namibian ethnic groups do not have any boundaries. In the Okujepisa Omukazendu practice among the Ovahimba and Ovazimba tribes of Kunene and Omusati regions, wife-swapping is practiced. A host would freely give his wife to his guests for the night!
8. EAGLE EYE ON ENVIRONMENT
To Namibians, protecting the environment means a lot. Namibia is the first country in the world to include “Environmental Protection” in its constitution. And it is significant that the country didn’t just pay lip service to it. Namibia has continued to be a pace-setter in the practice.
9. LAKE UNDERGROUND
Who ever heard of a lake existing underground? Well, it exists in Namibia. And it does not exist, the country actually tops in this. The world’s largest underground lake is in this country. No doubt, this is a top tourist attraction for Namibia.
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10. SOME WEDDING GEAR!
Every society, every ethnicity, has traditional and customary attires that set them apart and makes them unique. Namibia is no exception. Take the wedding dress for example. In a wedding, the bride wears a veil made of goat skin and rubbed with tar, grease, and red ocher.