About Namibia
Introduction:
Few who visit Namibia leave unchanged by the experience. For some, perhaps, it is the warmth of the people, the haunting beauty of the landscape or the abundance of wildlife that will forever linger in their memories. These qualities have certainly contributed to Namibia’s popularity as a tourist destination. But for those of us who have followed God’s call to the land of Namibia, there is something more that draws us here.
As we look at the needs and challenges facing this young nation, we have an incredible sense that God has a plan – a plan to give Namibians a hope and a future. In a land that faces the grim realities of HIV/AIDS and other crises, we can be a witness to the hope that can only be found in Christ. In a land emerging from a difficult past and striving to find its identity in the present, we can help Namibians discover the security of a future based on the timeless promises of God’s Word.
As you read on, you will learn more about a country that calls itself the “Land of Contrasts” - a land rich in its diversity of landscapes, wildlife and peoples. It is a land we believe is ripe for spiritual harvest.
History:
The borders of what is now Namibia were defined by colonial powers in the nineteenth century. At that time, the land was established as South-West Africa and came under German rule. However, long before then waves of immigration brought various people groups to the area, some from Central Africa, others from the east, and still others from the south. South Africa later occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during World War I and administered it as a UN mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory. When apartheid rule came into effect in South Africa in the 1950’s, these policies were also enforced in South West Africa.
In the 1960’s the South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) launched a war of independence for the area that was soon named Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Namibia won its independence in 1990 and has been governed by democratically-elected leadership ever since. Sam Nujoma , a recognized leader in the independence movement, led the country during its first 14 years of self-rule. Following Nujoma’s retirement Hifikepunye Pohamba was elected president in November 2004 in a landslide victory.
Location:
Namibia is located in southern Africa, bordered on the west by a 1,500 kilometer South Atlantic coastline. Angola and Zambia border Namibia to the north, just beyond the Kunene and Okavango rivers. Botswana borders the country to the east, while the Republic of South Africa lies just to the south.
People:
Namibia is a racially and ethnically diverse nation of slightly over 2,000,000* people. About 50% of the population belongs to the Ovambo tribe. Other tribes include the Herero, Damara, Nama, Caprivian, Kavango and San (sometimes known as Bushmen). About 13% of the population is of European or mixed racial decent. While English is the national language, many other languages are spoken. Oshiwambo is most widely spoken as a first language, followed by several other tribal languages as well as Afrikaans and German. Most Namibians are proficient in more than one language.
*The US State Department lists the population of Namibia at 2,030,692with the following notation:
” estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2005 est.)”
Economy:
While water is a notably scarce resource in Namibia, the land has been blessed with other natural resources. Add to this the vibrancy of its human resources, and the economic potential of Namibia inspires hope for the future. However, the road to economic stability is fraught with many challenges, including the restructuring of the economy in the post-apartheid era; the affect of HIV-AIDS on the working population; dominance of South African goods in the region; and the need to expand markets.
Namibia has very little arable land and normally imports about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years food shortages are a major problem in rural areas. While per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is high, relative to the region, it is important to note that poverty takes its toll on a high percentage of the population. Over 50% of Namibians still depend on subsistence agriculture.
Mining accounts for approximately 20% of the GDP in Namibia. Rich alluvial diamond deposits make it a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. The country is also the fourth-largest exporter of non-fuel minerals in Africa, the world's fifth-largest producer of uranium, and a producer of large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver, and tungsten.
The Namibian economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar pegged to the South African rand. Privatization of several enterprises in coming years may stimulate long-run foreign investment. Mining of zinc, copper, and silver and increased fish production led growth in 2003-04. Tourism is also a major industry with potential for growth.
Interesting Links:
To explore more about Namibia check out the links below.
Note: All links to other internet sources are provided for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by Namibia Harvest. The content of websites change from time to time.
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