Namibia
GEOGRAPHY
Situated along the Atlantic seaboard in the South-west of the African subcontinent, Namibia shares borders with Angola and Zambia in the north, Botswana is the east, Zimbabwe at the eastern extremity of the curiously shaped pan handle known as Caprivi, and South Africa in the South and south-east. The country comprises a long coastline which borders the Namb Desert. An escarpment leads on to the central highland regions and mountains ranges. The rest of the land is semi-arid desert, which is crossed by some major rivers. The extreme northern areas are tropical, especially near to the Kunene River and in parts of the Caprivi Strip, with the typical vegetation and climate of such regions. Namibia is the largest and least populated country in southern Africa. There is an estimate of 1,4 million people living there. Approximately 1,7 people per kilometre.
HISTORY
Namibia’s present diverse population is the outcome of extensive African and European migrations within southern Africa from the 16th century onwards; migrations that led to continual wars. The first Western explorer to land here was Diogo Cao, who erected a cross at Cape Cross on the Skeleton coast in 1486. Two years later Batholomea Dias did the same at Luderitz and named it Angra Pequena.
The most ancient inhabitants had been Bushmen and Namas (Hottentots), who together with the Damaras speak Khoisan languages and are often called Khoisan people. Some of the Bushmen paintings found on rock faces in the mountains are 28 000 years old. Today they number a mere 32 000, living mainly in the north east and are both under priviledged and impoverished.
In the early years of the 20th century settlers flowed in from the Fatherland, mines were established, towns, roads and railways built, game reserves proclaimed and a surprisingly durable heritage of German culture established. On July 15, 1915 the colonial army - the Kaiserliche Schutztruppe fur Deutsch Sud-West Afrika - surrendered to South African forces in what had been one of the most remote theatres of the 1914 - 1918 war.
The Second World War saw the end of the League and the post-war era brought the disagreements that eventually led to independence.
Elections for a Constituent Assembly were held under United Nations supervision in November 1989, a constitution was agreed between the different leaders elected and the country became independent as a Republic on March 21, 1990.
ECONOMY
The pillars of Namibia’s economy are mining, agriculture and fishing. Tourism is currently the fastest expanding industry, while the manufacturing sector is being developed. Mining makes up 49,2 % of foreign earnings and accounts for about one third of its GDP, with diamonds as the major export mineral, others are copper, gold, zinc, lead and silver.
CLIMATE
Summer from November to April, with hot and sunny days. Daytime temperatures can rise to 35C, but drop at night to around 14-18C. The coastal region is cool and dry through the year. Rainy season last from February to March and rainfall varies from 50mm to 700mm depending on the region.Winter from May to October and days are generally dry, sunny and mild to warm. Temperatures reach about 23C and drop at night to between 0 - 10C. It can be quite cold and windy at the coast, for which warm clothing and a windbreaker are necessary.
Generally a hot and dry country, there are, however, a range of local climates which vary extremely. The cold Atlantic coast is subject to cold, moist mists, which come ashore in summer and hot, dusty winds which come from inland in winter. Mountain areas are typically cooler and have greater rainfall. The border regions with Angola and Zambia are tropical - hot and humid. Most of the interior land surface is desert or semi-desert.
MAJOR CITIES AND TOWNS
Windhoek, the capital city, is the centre for commerce, with Swakopmund the focus of the diamond business, Walvis Bay for fishing and Tsumeb for mining.
WINDHOEK
Namibia’s capital is a busy African city with a mixed population and variety of cultures. In terms of architecture, monuments, museums and entertainment, Windhoek can’t be beaten. It’s also very central and not far away, in the highlands, you can experience adventurous day trips and view the wildlife, which includes aquatic birds and a variety of game such as kudu, mountain zebra and red hartebeest. Known as one of Africa’s cleanest capitals, Windhoek is also one of the most advanced in terms of infrastructure. Another interesting feature of Windhoek is its blend of German colonial architecture and modern buildings as well as a vibrant community of artists.
SWAKOPMUND
This is an attractive, intriguing and friendly small German town, incongruously beached on the African coast. Many of the houses have towers from which their merchant owners used to watch for arriving ships, just like their counterparts I Baltic seaports and 11 buildings are now protected as national monuments. Amoung notable ones are the former Administrator’s summer residence, the jail - designed to look like a country house - and the imposing neo-Baroque extravagance of the railway station. They represent a heritage of German colonial architecture unparalled elsewhere.
re-read this latest entry. i think it’s seriously time to throw in the towell.