Country Profile: Namibia

Namibia, located in Southern Africa, is bordered by the South Atlantic Ocean, Angola, and South Africa. The country is characterized by a low population density, with a total estimated population of 2.8 million as of 2024. Namibia's economy is driven by natural resources and is recognized as an upper middle-income, export-oriented market. Since gaining independence in 1990, Namibia has been governed by the South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), which has shifted towards less Marxist ideology under President Hage Geingob.

Geography

Namibia covers an area of 824,292 sq km, featuring diverse terrains including the Namib Desert along the coast and the Kalahari Desert in the east. The country experiences a desert climate, with hot and dry conditions and erratic rainfall. Key natural resources include diamonds, copper, and uranium, contributing to its economy.

• 1,572 km of coastline along the South Atlantic Ocean
• 4,220 km of land boundaries with Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia
• 47.1% of land is used for agriculture (2022)
• The highest point is 2,573 m at Konigstein on Brandberg

People and Society

As of 2024, Namibia's population is estimated at 2,803,660, with a median age of 22.8 years. The society is diverse, with ethnic groups including Ovambo (50%) and Kavangos (9%). English is the official language, while multiple indigenous languages are recognized. The predominant religion is Christianity, practiced by 97.5% of the population.

• 54.9% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
• 24.3 births/1,000 population birth rate (2024)
• 65.9 years life expectancy at birth (2024)
• 1.72% population growth rate (2024)

Economy

Namibia has a rich natural resource base, with a growing economy primarily dependent on agriculture (7.3% of GDP) and services (54.5% of GDP). The GDP is projected at $31.154 billion in 2024, with growth rates around 3.7%. However, the country faces challenges with high unemployment rates, particularly among youth.

• 19.2% unemployment rate (2024)
• $10,300 GDP per capita (2024)
• 41.6% of GDP is from exports (2024)
• 17.4% of the population lived below the poverty line (2015)

Government

Namibia operates as a presidential republic, with a legal system that incorporates both civil law and customary law. The president is elected for a five-year term and serves as both chief of state and head of government. The current President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, was elected in November 2024.

• Independence gained on 21 March 1990
• 18 years is the minimum voting age
• The legislative body is bicameral, consisting of a National Assembly and a National Council

Military and Security

The Namibian Defense Force (NDF) consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with approximately 12,000 active personnel. Military expenditures are about 2.8% of GDP, focusing on the defense of national territory and participation in regional peace missions.

• Military service is voluntary for ages 18-25
• The NDF was established in 1990

Energy

Namibia's energy sector is evolving, with a notable focus on increasing the share of renewable energy. As of 2022, total electricity access was around 56.2%, with a capacity dominated by hydroelectricity (70%) and an emerging solar sector (26.9%).

• 646,000 kW installed generating capacity (2023)
• 3.891 billion kWh of electricity consumption (2023)

Environment

Namibia faces environmental challenges including water resource depletion, desertification, and loss of biodiversity. It is a party to several international agreements aimed at environmental conservation.

• 39.91 billion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2020)
• 4.5% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2005)

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure includes 2,628 km of railways and a network of airports. Aliports such as Walvis Bay enhance trade capabilities, with a growing civil aviation presence.

• 259 airports expected by 2025
• 15 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)

Communications

Namibia has a developing communication sector with increasing internet access, where approximately 64% of the population are internet users. The telecommunication landscape is growing with both fixed and mobile services.

• 2.6 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
• 81,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,803,660 (2024 est.)
Area	824,292 sq km
GDP	$31.154 billion (2024)
Unemployment Rate	19.2% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	24.3 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	65.9 years (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	56.2% (2022 est.)
Urban Population	54.9% (2023 est.)
Total Renewable Water Resources	39.91 billion cubic m	2020 estimate
Military Expenditures	2.8% of GDP (2024 est.)