Terrain

Namibia has three distinct regions: the coastal belt with the Namib Desert; the central highlands characterised by steep terraces (a region reaching altitudes of between 1,000 and 2,000 m. Some areas are even higher, such as Moltkeblick peak at 2,484 m); and the Kalahari Desert in the east, part of which stretches across the border into Botswana. The Namib Desert extends along the Atlantic coast and is some 100 to 160 km wide. The country's highest peak, the Brandberg (2,580 m), is located in this area.

Climate

Although the country is predominantly desert, the climatic conditions vary from region to region. The most arid climate is found in the centre, where temperatures climb to more than 40°C during the day in the summer but can fall to below zero at night. Daytime temperatures on the hilly and semi-arid Central Plateau (including the capital Windhoek) are generally lower than in the rest of the country. December is the hottest month across the country, with daytime temperatures averaging 30°C. The rainy season (lasting from October to April) has little effect on the low-lying areas in the eastern part of the country, where it is generally much hotter than on the central plateau.

Fauna/Flora

Although vegetation is sparse in the deserts, the central plateau is covered by woodland savannah with plants that have adapted to the aridness (desert vegetation, dwarfed shrubs and succulents). Namibia was the first country in the world to include the protection of the environment and of wildlife in its constitution. About 15.5% of the country has been made into National Parks. Rare and endangered species of animals and plants are protected in these areas. Most wild animals found in Africa (elephants, rhinoceroses, lions, giraffes, zebras, and hartebeests) are well represented in Namibia, with the largest concentration in the renowned Etosha National Park. Namibia is home to the largest population of wild cheetahs and a concerted effort is being made to keep the species alive in the wild.

History/Politics

The earliest identifiable inhabitants of the area that is now Namibia were the San, who arrived in the 1st century BC. The Khoikhoi arrived in the 5th century AD; the Herero and the Ovambo migrated to the area in the 16th and 19th century, respectively. Portuguese explorers were the first Europeans to arrive, but they did not colonise the area because of its desert-like conditions. In 1884, the country became German West Africa and remained under German rule for more than 30 years due to its strategic position and vast mineral resources.

After World War I, the League of Nations granted the Union of South Africa a mandate over the entire region of South West Africa. South Africa officially applied to the United Nations for the annexation of South West Africa in 1947. The United Nations refused as the region was due to become independent. However, South Africa finally annexed the area in 1949. In 1966, the South West African People's Organization (SWAPO) started guerrilla warfare against South African rule. South African annexation was declared illegal by the United Nations in 1968 and the country was renamed Namibia.

South Africa still maintained control over Namibia until the end of the 1980s. After years of war, difficult negotiations and pressure from the international community, South Africa finally agreed to establish a transitional government of national unity in Namibia. A peace agreement in 1988 granted Namibia independence. SWAPO gained the majority of votes in the 1989 elections to form a Constituent Assembly. Namibia was officially declared independent on 21 March 1990. SWAPO leader Sam Nujoma was elected first president of the independent Republic of Namibia. He won the elections again in 1994 and 1999. In 2004, Hifikepunye Pohamba, the candidate supported by Nujoma, won the presidential elections. He took the oath in 2005 and declared that he would continue his predecessor's reforms and would take steps to attract foreign investment.

Economy

Namibia's economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and processing of minerals for export, with diamonds being one of the most important export items. Mining accounts for the largest part of the country's gross domestic product. Namibia also produces large quantities of lead, zinc, copper, tungsten, and the country is among the world's five largest producers of uranium oxide. In the past few years, tourism has been gaining momentum. Most of the population depend on agriculture for their livelihood, largely breeding and exporting livestock (cattle, sheep, and chickens in particular). The main area cultivated is the north of the country. Millet, wheat, and maize are the main crops cultivated. Namibia's coastal waters are rich in marine creatures; the coastal towns of Walfischbai and Lüderitz are important centres of the fishing industry. Unemployment was at 35% in 2003, and the average inflation rate was 9%.

Culture

Although the country is still developing a literary tradition, music, dance, and the visual and architectural arts have long been part of local culture. Namibia's earliest musicians were the San, whose music emulated the sounds made by animals and was played to accompany dances and storytelling. The early Nama used drums, flutes and stringed instruments; the Bantu people added marimbas, maracas, and animal horn trumpets. Township art, which develops sober themes in a colourful and generally light-hearted manner, first appeared in the townships of South Africa during the apartheid years. Tembo Masala and Joseph Madisia are two important "township" artists.