Namibia

1884 (August 7, Thursday) – German South West Africa becomes a colony of the German Empire

1904 (January 12, Monday) – Herero and Namaqua genocide: German colonial forces begin a brutal campaign against indigenous groups

1915 (February 9, Tuesday) – South African forces capture German South West Africa during World War I

1966 (August 26, Friday) – SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organization) launches armed struggle against South African occupation

1990 (March 21, Wednesday) – Namibia gains independence from South Africa, with Sam Nujoma as the first president

1992 (December 25, Friday) – Severe flooding in central and northern Namibia due to heavy rainfall

2000 (April 10, Monday) – Drought affects large parts of Namibia, leading to food insecurity

2008 (January 17, Thursday) – Cyclone Glaudine hits, causing coastal flooding and damage

2011 (December 12, Monday) – Earthquake of magnitude 5.9 shakes southern Namibia, causing some structural damage

2013 (January 11, Friday) – Flooding in central Namibia due to above-average rainfall

2019 (March 27, Wednesday) – Cyclone Idai affects northern Namibia, causing flash floods

2020 (April 13, Monday) – COVID-19 pandemic spreads through Namibia, impacting the economy and tourism

2021 (January 8, Friday) – Severe drought causes water shortages and crop failure in parts of the country

2022 (March 25, Friday) – Flooding in northern Namibia affects thousands of people, caused by seasonal rainfall

Continent: Africa
Location: Southwestern Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west
Capital: Windhoek
Language: English (official), Afrikaans, German, Oshiwambo, and other local languages
Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD), South African Rand (ZAR) (accepted)
Population: ~2.6 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2)

Borders: Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Zimbabwe to the east, South Africa to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west
Landscape: Desert plains, mountains, and plateaus
Major Rivers: Zambezi River (northeast), Orange River (south)
Major Mountains: Brandberg Mountain, Naukluft Mountains, Khomas Highlands
Deserts: Namib Desert, Kalahari Desert
Lakes: Lake Otjikoto, Lake Oanob
Volcanoes: None active, but the Brandberg Mountain is an extinct volcano
Highest Point: Brandberg Mountain (2,573 m / 8,409 ft)
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean (0 m)
Climate: Arid desert climate along the coast, semi-arid inland, with hot summers and mild winters
Geological Features: Ancient geological formations, mineral-rich areas, salt pans

Ethnic Groups: Ovambo, Kavango, Herero, Nama, San, and others
Religion: Christianity (approximately 90%), indigenous religions
Urban Population: ~54% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~4% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Desert landscapes, wildlife, indigenous cultures, and art
Cuisine: Biltong (dried meat), kapana (street food), maize porridge, game meat
Arts: Traditional crafts, beadwork, music, dance, and storytelling
Sports: Football (soccer), rugby, cricket, athletics

Economy Type: Mixed economy, with a focus on mining, agriculture, and tourism
GDP: Approx. $13 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Mining (diamonds, uranium), agriculture (livestock, crops), tourism, fishing
Key Exports: Diamonds, uranium, gold, copper, fish, livestock
Unemployment Rate: ~33% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Mining areas in the north and central regions, agriculture and tourism in the south

Government Type: Unitary semi-presidential republic
Head of State: President Hage Geingob (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral National Assembly (lower house) and National Council (upper house)
Constitution: In effect since 1990

Etosha National Park: Famous for its wildlife and salt pans, ideal for safaris
Sossusvlei: Iconic red dunes in the Namib Desert
Swakopmund: Coastal city known for adventure sports and German colonial architecture
Fish River Canyon: Second-largest canyon in the world, a stunning natural wonder
Skeleton Coast: Rugged coastline, shipwrecks, and seal colonies
Caprivi Strip: Wetlands and diverse wildlife, part of the Zambezi region