Since gaining independence from South Africa in 1990, Namibia, a sizable and sparsely populated nation on Africa's southwest coast, has experienced stability.
In the late 1800s, Germany invaded and seized control of what it called South West Africa.
An influx of Europeans was brought on by the discovery of diamonds in 1908.
During the First World War, South Africa took control of it and managed it as per a League of Nations directive.
After a nearly 25-year bush war, Namibians gained their independence in 1990. White people in the nation were encouraged to stay, and they still have a significant influence on farming and other economic sectors.
- Capital:. Windhoek.
- Area:. 825,615 sq km.
- Population:. 20.5 million.
- Languages:. German, English, Afrikaans, Otjiherero, Khoekhoegowab, Oshiwambo, RuKwangali, Setswana, siLozi,!Kung, Gciriku, and Thimbukushu are some additional languages.
- Typical lifespan: 59 (for men) and 67 (for women) years.
Hage Geingob is in charge.
In the elections held in November 2014, Hage Geingob, who was then the prime minister, won the presidency. 2019 saw his reelection.
After serving the two terms permitted by the constitution, Hifikepunye Pohamba resigned, and he took his place.
Dr. Geingob, who was born in 1941, presided over the constituent assembly that drafted the constitution that became operative in 1990, the year Namibia gained independence from South Africa.
He served as Namibia's first prime minister following independence. There can only be two five-year terms for the president, who shares executive authority with the cabinet.
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila serves as prime minister.
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who had been the finance minister for a while, was named prime minister in 2015.
She was a longtime member of the governing South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), and at the age of 13 she fled with them to Sierra Leone.
Upon returning to Namibia after earning her economics degree in the US, Ms. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila briefly worked in the administration of founding President Sam Nujoma. Sam Nujoma then swiftly promoted her to serve as the head of the National Planning Commission.
From 2003 until President Geingob appointed her to the position of prime minister, she then served as minister of finance.
One of the more tolerant nations in Africa for the media is Namibia.
The opposition's viewpoints, including those critical of the government, are covered by broadcast media and the private press.
A few significant dates in Namibian history are:.
1886-90. - German treaties with Portugal and Britain established the current international borders. Germany takes control of the region as South West Africa.
1886-90. - German treaties with Portugal and Britain established the current international borders. Germany takes control of the region as South West Africa.
1904-1907. The Herero and Nama oppose German colonialism. In what is now recognized as genocide, German forces brutally suppress the uprising and kill about 65,000 Herero and 10,000 Nama.
1915 . - South Africa occupies land during World War One.
1920 . South Africa is given authority by the League of Nations to rule South West Africa (SWA).
1946 . - South Africa rejects the UN's proposal to assume trusteeship of SWA.
1958 . - Herman Toivo Ya Toivo founds the opposition Ovamboland People's Congress with others; in 1960, it changes its name to South West Africa People's Organisation (Swapo).
1961 . - The UN General Assembly demands that South Africa end the mandate and establishes SWA independence as a goal.
1966 . - The South West Africa People's Organization (Swapo) begins armed resistance to South African occupation.
1968 . - The UN General Assembly officially changed the name of South West Africa to Namibia.
1973 . Swapo is regarded as the "sole legitimate representative" of Namibia's people by the UN General Assembly.
1988 . - In exchange for the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola, South Africa consents to Namibia's independence.
1990 . - Sam Nujoma serves as the first president of independent Namibia.
1994 . - Walvis Bay, a South African exclave, was given to Namibia.
2004 . - A formal apology from Germany for its mass murders during colonial times.
2005 . - As part of a land-reform initiative, Namibia starts taking over white-owned farms.
2022. - According to estimates, the offshore Orange Basin could contain 2 and 3 billion barrels of oil in each of two exploration wells. Namibia's economy might change as a result of the anticipated income.
