Namibia
Subregion: Southern Africa
Namibia is a country located in Southern Africa. The Capital City is Windhoek. The government is a Unitary dominant-party semi-presidential republic. The official language of the country is English, however there are several common languages, including German. The predominant religion is Christianity. The healthcare system in Namibia has both public and private sectors. Public healthcare serves the majority of the population. Income disparity is the reason more people do not utilize private healthcare. Access to healthcare is good. There are three private hospitals in Windhoek along with good pharmacies and clinics.
Safety:
Namibia is generally a safe country for residents, with a relatively low crime rate compared to other African countries. However, like in any other country, there are safety concerns that travelers should be aware of. One of the main safety concerns in Namibia is petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as markets, bus stations, and tourist sites. Travelers should keep a close eye on their belongings and avoid carrying large sums of cash or wearing expensive jewelry. Another safety concern in Namibia is the risk of carjacking, particularly in the capital city of Windhoek. Travelers should avoid driving alone at night and should be cautious when stopping at intersections or other isolated areas. In addition, Namibia is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos. While wildlife sightings can be a highlight of any trip to Namibia, travelers should exercise caution and always keep a safe distance from these animals. Namibia has a high rate of HIV/AIDS, and travelers should take appropriate precautions to avoid contracting the disease. Namibia has a relatively good road network, with a total of approximately 48,000 kilometers of roads, of which around 7,000 kilometers are tarred. However, road conditions can vary widely depending on the location, and some roads in remote areas may be in poor condition. It is important to exercise caution and drive carefully, especially when driving on gravel or dirt roads, which can be slippery and unpredictable. In terms of safety, it is generally safe to travel by road in Namibia, but there are some risks to be aware of. Wildlife, such as elephants and antelopes, may occasionally stray onto the roads, especially in rural areas, so it is important to be vigilant and observe speed limits. In addition, some areas of Namibia are prone to carjackings and other types of crime, particularly at night. It is advisable to keep car doors locked and windows up, and to avoid driving alone at night or in remote areas. Namibia also has a relatively high rate of traffic accidents compared to other countries, and many of these accidents are caused by human error or reckless driving. It is important to obey traffic laws and regulations, wear seatbelts, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Cultural Customs:
Namibia is a country located in southwestern Africa, with a population of over 2.5 million people. It is home to a diverse range of cultures, each with its unique customs and traditions. In Namibia, it is customary to greet someone before starting a conversation. The most common greeting is "Hello" or "Good morning/afternoon/evening" in English, but many people also use their local language to greet others. It is common to shake hands or nod your head while greeting. Namibia has a rich tradition of colorful and elaborate traditional dress, which varies from region to region. Some of the most popular traditional clothing includes the Herero women's Victorian-style dresses, the Damara women's leather skirts, and the Himba women's ocher-covered bodies. Music and dance play an essential role in Namibian culture. The country has a rich history of traditional music, including the Damara Punch, the Oviritje, and the Kwaito. Traditional dance is also popular in Namibia, and many groups perform at cultural festivals and events. Namibian cuisine is a blend of indigenous and colonial influences. Some of the most popular traditional dishes include pap (a maize porridge), meat (particularly beef and game meat), and a variety of vegetables. Biltong, a type of dried meat, is a popular snack. Respect for elders is an essential part of Namibian culture. Younger people are expected to show respect to their elders by using formal language and addressing them appropriately. Many traditional ceremonies are still observed in Namibia, including weddings, funerals, and initiation ceremonies. These ceremonies often involve music, dance, and elaborate dress, and are an important way of preserving cultural traditions. Sports play an important role in Namibian culture, with football (soccer), rugby, and cricket being popular sports. Athletics is also growing in popularity, with Namibia having produced several world-class runners.
Geography & Weather:
Namibia has a sub-tropical climate but the coast has a desert climate.
In the city of Swakopmund, which is on the central coast of the country, the average temperature ranges from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is August with a median temperature of 55 degrees F and February being the hottest month with a median temperature of 65 degrees F. It doesn’t rain in this area at all. However, the sun doesn’t shine much due to the cloud cover, sunshine hours are 6-7 hours daily year round. The sea temperature is 59 degrees year round, too cold for swimming.
In Tsumeb, located in the north of the country, the average temperature ranges from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is June with a median temperature of 60 degrees F and October is the hottest month with a median temperature of 80 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is November - April. The sun is out 9-11 hours a day, all year round.
In the capital city of Windhoek, located in the center of the country, the average temperature ranges from 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 59 degrees F and December is the hottest month with a median temperature of 77 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is December - April. The sun is out 9 -11 hours a day, all year round.
Economy:
Namibia is a country located in southern Africa, with a population of around 2.5 million people. The economy of Namibia is largely based on mining, tourism, and agriculture, with significant contributions from the services sector as well. Mining is a major industry in Namibia, with the country being one of the world's largest producers of uranium and also having significant deposits of diamonds, gold, silver, and other minerals. The mining sector accounts for a significant portion of Namibia's export earnings and contributes to government revenues through taxes and royalties. Tourism is also an important industry in Namibia, with the country's natural beauty and wildlife drawing visitors from around the world. The tourism sector has been growing in recent years, with the government investing in infrastructure and marketing campaigns to promote the country as a travel destination. Agriculture, particularly livestock farming, is another important industry in Namibia. The country has a large cattle population, and beef is one of Namibia's top agricultural exports. Other agricultural products include fish, grapes, and dates. In recent years, Namibia has also been working to develop its services sector, with a focus on financial services and information technology. The government has implemented policies to attract foreign investment and promote the growth of the private sector. Despite its rich natural resources and potential for growth, Namibia faces a number of economic challenges, including high unemployment and income inequality. The government has implemented various initiatives to address these issues, including job creation programs and social welfare programs for vulnerable populations.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Namibia Dollar (NAD)
NAD 1.00 = USD .067
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
2,540,905
Median Age:
21.8
Life Expectancy:
64.86
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? No for stays less than 90 days
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - No, for naturalized citizens
Naturalization - Namibian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Namibia for at least ten consecutive years, is of good character, have no criminal convictions, and understands the culture and customs of the country.
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residency visa is available for people looking to relocate into Namibia as expats. You must have resided in the country for 10 years. You must apply in person at the Home Affairs & Immigration office in Windhoek.
Resources:
Expats in Namibia Facebook Group
U.S. Embassy Windhoek
14 Lossen Street, Ausspannplatz
Windhoek, Namibia
Telephone: +(264) (61) 295 8500
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(264) (61) 295 8500
Fax: +(264)(61) 295-8603
Email: consularwindhoek@state.gov