Namibia`s location

Namibia is situated on the south-western coast of Africa. With an approximate surface area of 824,292 km² it ranks as the 34th largest country on the planet.
Namibia borders Angola and Zambia towards the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa is its southern neighbour.
For such a large country, Namibia ranks second as the least densely populated country in the world - Mongolia is the least populated country in the world. If you are thus looking for solitude and vast open spaces, then Namibia will surely not disappoint!

Capital Windhoek

Namibia’s capital city is Windhoek and is situated in the centre of the country, on the Khomas Highland Plateau at 1,700 meters above sea level. The city is truly the financial hub of the country. Due to Windhoek’s important role as the administrative, industrial and commercial epicentre - and its close proximity to the Hosea Kutako International Airport - most visitors and tourists will visit or pass through the city en route to their next destination.

Namibian towns of interest

Due to the large size of the country and its sparse population, towns tend to be situated quite a distance from each other. On average the travel distance between towns are approximately 250 - 300 kilometers.
Due to Namibia`s rich history, most towns boast their own unique ambience, architecture and it`s a great way to explore the country. We have compiled a short list of intersting towns in Namibia that most tourists are likely to travel through:

1. Walvis Bay - located on the western coast of the country and boasts a modern and larger harbour, as well as an international airport. Walvis Bay is also the docking harbour for many international fishing and freight vessels. Walvis Bay also has a beautiful lagoon and is a bustling industrial town.
2. Swakopmund - located on the western coast and approximately 30 kilometers from Walvis Bay. Swakopmund is very popular among visitors, tourists and locals for its German colonial architecture and good food. Swakopmund was recently awarded the 2019 Town of the Year award by South African TV channel, kykNet. Guests visiting the coast can also enjoy a range of excursions and activities in the dunes and at sea.
3. Lüderitz - located on the south-western coast of Namibia is another harbour town and is frequented by fishing vessels from all over the world. The town also boasts colonial architecture as well as ample wildlife such as penguins, seals and flamingos. In addition, the coastline is an important and recognized conservation area for numerous bird and marine species. Lüderitz is close to an abandoned mining settlement, Kolmanskop which can be visited by tourists.
4. Tsumeb - located towards the north-eastern part of Namibia is an important mining town (copper) but is also regarded as the “gateway to the north”. It is also the town closest to the Etosha National Park.
5. Otjiwarongo and Outjo - located towards the north of Namibia on the route to the Etosha National Park. Visitors travelling to Etosha will most likely pass through these towns that are quickly expanding in size due to the nearby gold mine. Otjiwarongo is home to the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Travelling from Otjiwarongo, in the direction of Outjo tourists will reach the Anderson Gate that is closest to the Okaukuejo Rest Camp within the park.
6. Oshakati, Rundu and Katima Millo - located towards the north of Namibia is the business-centre for this part of Namibia.

Namibia`s diverse landscape and unique ecosystem contributes undoubtedly to its beauty and breathtaking scenery.
Namibia can be divided into five main geographical areas: The Central Plateau, the Namib desert, the Great Escarpment, the Bushveld and the Kalahari - and Coastal - desert regions.

The Central Plateau area is aptly named since it lies within the central region of Namibia. The highest point in the country (2,606 meters) is located within the Central Plateau region, the Köningstein (King’s Stone) on top of the infamous Brandberg Mountain (Burning Mountain). For more information on the Brandberg Mountain and surrounds please visit our Attractions link.

The Namib Desert is the crown jewel of Namibia and what makes it even more unique, is that it is situated along the western coast of the country. The word Namib means vast place and for a desert receiving on average only 2 millimeters of precipitation annually, it still offers a diverse range of desert flora and wildlife. From the Namib Desert the Great Escarpment rises to the Central Plateau. The Great Escarpment is defined by its more rocky and mountainous formations as it rises sharply from the Atlantic coastal region to 2,000 meters.

The Bushveld is synonymous with safaris and wildlife. It thus demarcates the northeastern part of Namibia and rainfall averages 400 millimeters per year. One of Namibia’s most popular tourist attractions, the Etosha Pan is located next to the Bushveld. Ecologically the Bushveld plays a vital role in the in sustaining the rich bird - and wild-life of the region. The Bushveld forms part of the World Wildlife Federation’s demarcated Angolan-Mopane Woodlands which is especially vulnerable to human activities such as land clearing for agricultural-, woodfire - and timber - purposes.

Population size

The estimated 2017 population size according to the United Nations and World Population Prospects was 2.48 million people compared to the meager population size of 458,00 during 1950. The 2019 estimated size is approximately 2.49 million people and converting this into population density it equates to 3.13 people per square kilometer yet again underlying Namibia’s ranking as the 2nd least densely populated country in the world.

Ethnical diveristy and indigenous groups

Namibia proudly boasts 11 main ethnic groups which contributes to the uniqueness of the country’s people. Despite the various background the Namibian stem from, the country is peaceful and its inhabitants get along quite well. The major ethnic groups are:
Ovambo tribe which accounts for approximately 50% of the country’s indigenous people. The Kavango tribe represent approximately 9% of the local population while the Herero and Damara tribes contribute about 7% each. The other ethnical groups and tribes are: the Himba tribe, the Nama tribe, the Caprivian tribe, San - and Tswana tribes. Caucasians (Afrikaans, German, British and Portugeuse descent) and mixed race (coloured and Rehoboth Basters) make up the remainder of the population.

Languages

Since half of the Namibian population is of Ovambo descent, the most popular language among the locals is Oshiwambo. English however remains the official language of Namibia and is the preferred language in the education-, business- and tourism - sectors.
Other languages spoken in Namibia include: Nama, Damara, Otjiherero, Kavango, German (from colonial settlers) and Afrikaans (a language derived from Dutch). A number of people speak Portugeuse which derives from Angola that borders Namibia to the north.