Namibia Endless Horizons Visitors’ Filo-facts
General
- Surface area: 824 268km
- Capital: Windhoek
- Independence: 21 March 1990
- Current president: Hifikepunye Pohamba
- Multiparty Parliament
- Democratic Constitution
- Division of power between executive, legislative and judiciary
- Secular state-freedom of religion (90% Christian)
- Freedom of the press/media
Environment
- Nature reserves, 15% of surface area
- Highest mountain: Brandberg
- Other prominent mountains: Spitzkoppe, Moltkeblick, Gamsberg
- Perennial rivers: Orange, Kunene, Okavango, Zambezi and Kwando/Linyanti/Chobe
- Ephemeral rivers: Numerous, including Fish, Kuiseb, Swakop and Ugab
Flora
- 14 vegetation zones
- 120 species of trees
- 200 endemic plant species
- 100 plus species of lichen
- Living fossil plant: Welwitschia mirabilis
Economy
- Main sectors: Mining, Fishing, Tourism & Agriculture
- Biggest employer: Agriculture (46%)
- Fastest-growing sector: Tourism
- Mining: Diamonds, Uranium, Copper, Lead, Zinc, Magnesium, cadmium, arsenic, pyrites, silver and gold, lithium minerals, dimensions stones (granite, marble, blue sodalite) and many semi-precious stones.
Physical Infrastructure
- 5 450 km tarred roads, 37 000 km gravel roads
- Harbours: Walvis Bay, Luderitz
- Main Airports: Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros Airport, 46 airstrips
- Rail network: 2 382 km narrow gauge
- 6.2 telephone lines per 100 inhabitants
- Direct-dialling facilities to 221 countries
- Mobile communication system: GSM
- Agreement with 117 countries/255 networks
- Postal Service affiliated to Universal Postal Union
Social Infrastructure
- One medical doctor per 3 650 people
- Two privately run hospitals in Windhoek with intensive-care units
- Medical practitioners (world standard)
- 24-hour medical emergency services
Population
- 2.1 million
- Density: 2.2 per km
- 240 000 inhabitants in Windhoek (15% of total)
- Official language: English
- 13 regions, 13 ethnic cultures
- 16 languages and dialects
- Adult literacy rate: 85%
- Population growth rate: 2.6%
- Schools: 1 450
Fauna
- Big game: Elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, giraffe
- 20 antelope species
- 240 mammal species (14 endemic)
- 250 reptile species
- 50 frog species
- 676 bird species
- Endemic birds include Herero Chat, Rockrunner, Damara Tern, Monteiro’s Hornbill
Foreign Representation
More than 50 countries have Namibian consular or embassy representation in Windhoek. For information, contact Ministry of Information and Communication Technology-Tel (+264 61) 282 9111
Tax and Customs
All goods and services are priced to include value-added tax of 15%. Visitors may reclaim VT. Enquiries: Ministry of Finance – Tel (+264 61)23 0773 in Windhoek
Climate in Degree Celsius
- Feb 16-30 60-86 F
- Apr 13-29 65-84 F
- June 7-22 45-72 F
- Aug 9-24 48-75 F
- Oct 12-30 54-86 F
- Dec 16-30 61-86 F
Money Matters
The Namibian dollar (N$) is fixed to and equal the SA rand. The South African rand is also legal tender. Traveller’s cheques, foreign currency, International Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted.
Drinking Water
Most tap water is purified and safe to drink. Visitors should exercise caution in rural areas.
Transport
Public transport is NOT available to all destinations in Namibia. There are bus services from Windhoek-Cape Town/Johannesburg/Vic Falls/Swakopmund. Namibia’s main railway line runs from the South African border, connecting Windhoek to Swakopmund in the west and Tsumeb in the north. There is an extensive network of international and regional flights from Windhoek. Domestic charters to all destinations.