Namibia

South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966 the Marxist South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group 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 SWAPO since. Hifikepunye POHAMBA was elected president in November 2004 in a landslide victory replacing Sam NUJOMA who led the country during its first 14 years of self rule.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 2,055,080

Nationality (Noun): Namibian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Namibian

Official Language(s): English

Major Languages Spoken: Afrikaans, English, German, Kwanyama, Sesotho

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Namibia

Country Name (short form): Namibia

Country Name (local long form): Republic of Namibia

Country Name (local short form): Namibia

Name of Capital: Windhoek

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Namibia: Zambia, St. Helena, South Africa, Angola, Botswana

Land Area: 825418 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly more than half the size of Alaska

Total Land Boundry: 3,936 km

Coastline: 1,572 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

International Phone Code: 264

Currency Code: Namibian dollar (NAD); South African rand (ZAR)

Internet Country Code: .na

US Embassy Location: Ausplan Building, 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek

US Embassy Mailing Address: Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek