Namibia. Large country located in southwestern Africa. Its Atlantic coast is one of the loneliest on the planet. It obtained its independence in 1990. It has one of the best nature reserves in Africa. It houses a rich fauna although its soils are very arid. Its official language is English. The national sport is soccer. Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia according to babyinger.
Geography
Geographic location
Namibia is located in southwestern Africa. It is a large country and for the most part arid. It is bordered to the north by Angola, to the east by Botswana, to the south by South Africa and, in the Caprivi Strip, a narrow spit of land in the northeast of the country, by Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its 1,280 km (5 mile) Atlantic coastline is one of the loneliest and most desolate on the planet.
Climate
During the local winter (May to September) the average daytime temperatures range from 18º to 25º Celsius. During the night the temperature can drop abruptly to around 0º. Even below zero is not uncommon. During the summer the average daytime temperatures are between 20º and 34º Celsius, but far to the north temperatures around 40º C are not unusual.
The coastal area is influenced by the Gulf of Benguela Current from the Atlantic, which results in a stable average temperature between 15º and 25º Celsius.
There is usually mist at night. The rainy season begins in October and ends in April. In this period heavy downpours can occur, which can cause overflowing of rivers and waters. After these downpours, the sun usually comes out. Humidity in Namibia is usually very low.
Flora and fauna
The diversity of flora and fauna in Namibia is exuberant. Most of the animals live in National Parks like Etosha, Khaudum, Mudumu, Mamili and Hardap Dam. But also in other areas there are many animals (especially in the north) like elephants (desert), rhinos, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hyenas, cheetahs and leopards. Over 600 species of birds exist in Namibia, in many different colors and shapes, but a large number of small mammals, insects, and reptiles are also found. There are many different types of plants and flowers, from the special quiver trees to huge cacti and palm trees.
Political system
- Republic: Gained independence from Africa in 1990.
- Head of State: President Hifikepunye Pohamba since 2005.
- Head of Government: Prime Minister Nahas Angula since 2005.
- Since 1990 Namibia has been completely independent and currently the SWAPO social party leads the government. The president is the head of the democratic government and elections are being held periodically. The country is divided into 13 separate political regions.
- Freedom of expression is one of the most important pillars today. The general political situation in Namibia can be described as stable.
Economy
It is an eminently mining country, with an economic tradition based on the exploitation of its uranium and diamond mines, as well as copper and tin, agriculture and fishing are also an important part of the country’s economy.
Since the 90’s when this country achieved independence from South Africa, tourism has also become an important source of income that grows every year, mainly due to its natural surroundings.
Social development
Health
Medical services in Namibia are of a very high quality, especially private clinics and doctors. However, the availability of most services is limited to the major cities. Clean needles are available and all blood products are tested for contagious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV / AIDS. Northern Namibia (including Etosha) is an area where malaria is very present.
Education
For the six to sixteen-year-old age group in Namibia, education is compulsory for a period of ten years. There is the Namibian school, the University of Namibia, the Namibian Polytechnic, etc. The duration of primary education in Namibia is seven years and secondary education five years. In 1998 the primary school had 400,325 students and the secondary 115,237 students. The adult illiteracy rate in Namibia during 2000 was 17.9%.
Culture
Music, dance, and the visual and architectural arts have long been part of the local culture.
The Art of Resistance, which develops sober themes in bright colors and in a generally lighthearted manner, first emerged in the segregated districts of South Africa during the Apartheid years ; Already ingrained in Namibia, it is becoming an increasingly popular art form, with leading authors including Tembo Masala and Joseph Madisia. Each ethnic group has its own pantry of favorite foods.
Gastronomy
The staple dish for the Ovambo people is mielie pap (porridge) or mahango (millet), also prepared in the form of porridge or soup. They are usually accompanied with fish, goat, lamb or beef stew. Pumpkins, peppers, and onions are also part of their regular diet. The Nama, who live in the desert, have revered the spiky nara melon for tens of thousands of years, and its annual harvest is considered a momentous event. Endemic to the desert, the nara is believed to have made human existence possible on the Namib. Traditional concoctions include mataku (watermelon wine) and walende, a vodka- flavored palm liqueur.
Idiom
The official language is English. Most of the population also speaks Afrikaans. Other languages spoken are German, Herero, Kavango, Nama, and Ovambo.
