Namibia
Formerly known as “South West Africa,” the Republic of
Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990 after more than
40 years of petitioning the international community, 20 UN resolutions
and 25 years of armed struggle.
Land: |
Namibia is bordered by Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa,
with a long Atlantic coastline. With 1.8 million people living
in a country roughly half the size of Alaska, Namibia is one of
the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Geographically
the land encompasses magnificent deserts (Namib and Kalahari)
and coastline, high plateau, the enormous Fish River Canyon, and
woodlands. The Namibian constitution was the first in the world
to include environmental protections. |
People: |
There is great diversity among the Namibian people, culture
and languages. Most Namibians speak two or three different languages,
with the most common indigenous language Oshiwambo. English is
the official language. Most Namibians are Christian, with Lutherans
making up 50% of the population. The population structure is very
young — 43% under age 15 — largely because of the
high rate of HIV/AIDS. |
Economy: |
Mining (diamonds and minerals) is critical to the Namibian
economy. The legacy of apartheid and colonialism persists in great
inequality of wealth: 10% of the population receives 65% of the
total income; 50% of Namibians live below the poverty line. Most
Namibians make their living from subsistence farming and herding.
Unemployment stands at 30-40%. |
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