Country Profile: Namibia

Namibia is located in Southern Africa, bordered by the South Atlantic Ocean, Angola, and South Africa. It has a population estimated at approximately 2.85 million and features a diverse mix of ethnic groups, primarily the Ovambo, Kavangos, and Herero. The economy is classified as upper middle-income and is heavily reliant on natural resources and exports, while governance is marked by a presidential republic since gaining independence from South Africa in 1990. Namibia has seen a shift in its political landscape, with changes in leadership and electoral outcomes reflecting evolving governance dynamics.

Geography

Namibia is situated in Southern Africa, sharing its borders with Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia, and has a coastline along the South Atlantic Ocean. The country's terrain is predominantly a high plateau, featuring the Namib and Kalahari deserts, known for its hot and dry climate. Its total area covers about 824,292 square kilometers, making it a land rich in natural resources, including diamonds, uranium, and copper.

1,572 km: Length of Namibia's coastline.
4,220 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.
2,573 m: Highest point, Konigstein on Brandberg.
47.1%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
14%: Proportion of land protected, including the Namib Desert.

People and Society

Namibia's estimated population is approximately 2,852,777 as of 2025, consisting of various ethnic groups, with the Ovambo being the largest. The country has a relatively young demographic, with a median age of 23.1 years and a significant urban population making up about 54.9% of the total. The predominant religion is Christianity, and English is the official language.

97.5%: Percentage of the population that identifies as Christian.
54.9%: Urban population (2023).
23.93: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2025).
87.6%: National literacy rate (2023).
34.1%: Population aged 0-14 years (2025).

Economy

Namibia boasts a resource-rich economy largely driven by mining and agriculture. As of 2024, the real GDP (PPP) is estimated at $31.154 billion, with a projected growth rate of 3.7%. The country is noted for its potential in renewable energy and tourism, although it faces challenges such as a shortage of skilled labor and high unemployment rates.

$31.154 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
19.2%: Unemployment rate (2024).
41.6%: Exports contribution to economy (2024).
$4.415 billion: Estimated government revenues for 2023.
7.3%: Agricultural sector contribution to GDP (2024).

Government

Namibia operates as a presidential republic with a mixed legal system that incorporates both civil and customary law. The President serves as both the head of state and government, currently held by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah since March 2025. The country has a bicameral legislature, and its constitution ensures universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

21 March 1990: Date of independence from South African rule.
14: Number of administrative regions.
42.3%: Percentage of women in the National Assembly.
104: Total seats in the National Assembly.
23%: Share of the national budget dedicated to education (2025).

Military and Security

The Namibian Defense Force (NDF) comprises the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and is responsible for national defense and safety. Military spending accounts for 2.8% of GDP in 2024, while the total personnel strength is estimated at around 12,000. The NDF has historical roots linked to past liberation struggles, with ongoing commitments to regional peacekeeping.

2.8%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
12,000: Estimated active personnel in NDF (2025).
18-25 years: Voluntary military service age for men and women.
3%: Military spending trend from 2021 to 2023.
Soviet-era weapons: Predominant in NDF inventory.

Energy

Namibia has made strides in increasing electricity access, with a total electrification rate of 56.2% as of 2022. The energy landscape is heavily reliant on hydroelectric power, contributing 70% of its installed capacity. The country is also exploring renewable energy sources to diversify its energy portfolio.

646,000 kW: Total installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
74.8%: Electrification rate in urban areas (2022).
33.2%: Electrification rate in rural areas (2022).
21.734 million Btu/person: Energy consumption per capita (2023).
26.9%: Contribution of solar energy to installed capacity (2023).

Environment

Namibia faces several environmental issues, including water resource depletion, desertification, and biodiversity loss. The country is party to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these challenges. Its terrain includes vast deserts, and about 14% of its land is protected for conservation purposes.

39.91 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).
256,700 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024).
19.6%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
3.46 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023).
1%: Arable land percentage out of total agricultural land (2023).

Transportation

Namibia has a well-established transportation network, including airports, railways, and a merchant marine fleet. With over 259 airports, it facilitates both domestic and international travel, while the country's railway spans 2,628 km. Major ports include Walvis Bay and Luderitz Bay, which play crucial roles in trade.

259: Total number of airports (2025).
2,628 km: Length of railway infrastructure (2014).
15: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
2: Total ports (2024).
1: Number of heliports (2025).

Communications

Namibia has a growing communications infrastructure, with increasing internet penetration and mobile telephone subscriptions. Approximately 64% of the population uses the internet, and fixed line telephones are also available though less widespread.

64%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023).
2.58 million: Total mobile subscriptions (2024).
81,000: Total fixed-line subscriptions (2023).
104,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
3: Fixed line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,852,777 (2025 est.)
Area	824,292 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$31.154 billion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	21.734 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	23.93 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	19.2% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	65.9 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	87.6% (2023 est.)
Urban Population	54.9% (2023)
Military Expenditure	2.8% of GDP (2024 est.)