2014 Edition

Background

South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966 the Marxist South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war of independence for the area that became Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Namibia has been governed by SWAPO since the country won independence in 1990. Hifikepunye POHAMBA was elected president in November 2004 in a landslide victory replacing Sam NUJOMA who led the country during its first 14 years of self rule. POHAMBA was reelected in November 2009.

Area

824,292 sq km 823,290 sq km 1,002 sq km

total

824,292 sq km

water

1,002 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly more than half the size of Alaska

Climate

desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Coastline

1,572 km

Elevation extremes

Atlantic Ocean 0 m Konigstein 2,606 m

highest point

Konigstein 2,606 m

lowest point

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

limited natural freshwater resources; desertification; wildlife poaching; land degradation has led to few conservation areas

Environment - international agreements

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands none of the selected agreements

party to

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

0.29 cu km/yr (25%/5%/70%) 146 cu m/yr (2002)

per capita

146 cu m/yr (2002)

total

0.29 cu km/yr (25%/5%/70%)

Geographic coordinates

22 00 S, 17 00 E

Geography - note

first country in the world to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution; some 14% of the land is protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip

Irrigated land

75.73 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

3,936 km Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 967 km, Zambia 233 km

border countries

Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 967 km, Zambia 233 km

total

3,936 km

Land use

0.97% 0.01% 99.02% (2011)

arable land

0.97%

other

99.02% (2011)

permanent crops

0.01%

Location

Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa

Map references

Africa

Maritime claims

12 nm 24 nm 200 nm

contiguous zone

24 nm

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

prolonged periods of drought

Natural resources

diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, silver, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, tungsten, zinc, salt, hydropower, fish suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore

Terrain

mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east

Total renewable water resources

17.72 cu km (2011)

Age structure

31.7% (male 352,368/female 345,593) 23.1% (male 256,965/female 251,276) 35.9% (male 410,736/female 378,678) 4.8% (male 47,832/female 58,602) 4.3% (male 41,697/female 54,659) (2014 est.)

0-14 years

31.7% (male 352,368/female 345,593)

15-24 years

23.1% (male 256,965/female 251,276)

25-54 years

35.9% (male 410,736/female 378,678)

55-64 years

4.8% (male 47,832/female 58,602)

65 years and over

4.3% (male 41,697/female 54,659) (2014 est.)

Birth rate

20.28 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

17.5% (2007)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

55.1% (2006/07)

Death rate

13.6 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Dependency ratios

64.2 % 58.3 % 5.9 % 17 (2014 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

5.9 %

potential support ratio

17 (2014 est.)

total dependency ratio

64.2 %

youth dependency ratio

58.3 %

Drinking water source

urban: 98.4% of population rural: 87.4% of population total: 91.7% of population urban: 1.6% of population rural: 12.6% of population total: 8.3% of population (2012 est.)

rural

12.6% of population

total

8.3% of population (2012 est.)

urban

1.6% of population

Education expenditures

8.4% of GDP (2010)

Ethnic groups

black 87.5%, white 6%, mixed 6.5% about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9% to the Kavangos tribe; other ethnic groups include Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%

Health expenditures

5.3% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

13.3% (2012 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

5,000 (2012 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

220,100 (2012 est.)

Hospital bed density

2.7 beds/1,000 population (2009)

Infant mortality rate

45.64 deaths/1,000 live births 48.6 deaths/1,000 live births 42.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)

female

42.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)

total

45.64 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Oshiwambo languages 48.9%, Nama/Damara 11.3%, Afrikaans 10.4% (common language of most of the population and about 60% of the white population), Otjiherero languages 8.6%, Kavango languages 8.5%, Caprivi languages 4.8%, English (official) 3.4%, other African languages 2.3%, other 1.7% Namibia has 13 recognized national languages, including 10 indigenous African languages and 3 Indo-European languages (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

51.85 years 52.22 years 51.46 years (2014 est.)

female

51.46 years (2014 est.)

total population

51.85 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 88.8% 89% 88.5% (2010 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

88.5% (2010 est.)

male

89%

total population

88.8%

Major infectious diseases

high bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever malaria schistosomiasis (2013)

degree of risk

high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease

malaria

water contact disease

schistosomiasis (2013)

Major urban areas - population

WINDHOEK (capital) 380,000 (2011)

Maternal mortality rate

200 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

22.8 years 22.8 years 22.8 years (2014 est.)

female

22.8 years (2014 est.)

male

22.8 years

total

22.8 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

21.4 median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2006-07 est.)

Nationality

Namibian(s) Namibian

adjective

Namibian

noun

Namibian(s)

Net migration rate

0.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

9.5% (2008)

Physicians density

0.37 physicians/1,000 population (2007)

Population

2,198,406 estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2014 est.)

Population growth rate

0.67% (2014 est.)

Religions

Christian 80% to 90% (at least 50% Lutheran), indigenous beliefs 10% to 20%

Sanitation facility access

urban: 56.1% of population rural: 16.9% of population total: 32.2% of population urban: 43.9% of population rural: 83.1% of population total: 67.8% of population (2012 est.)

rural

83.1% of population

total

67.8% of population (2012 est.)

urban

43.9% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

11 years 11 years 11 years (2006)

female

11 years (2006)

male

11 years

total

11 years

Sex ratio

1.03 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 1.09 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.78 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female (2014 est.)

0-14 years

1.02 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.02 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.09 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.78 male(s)/female

at birth

1.03 male(s)/female

total population

1.02 male(s)/female (2014 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.25 children born/woman (2014 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

40.1% 29.4% 34.3% (2012)

female

34.3% (2012)

total

40.1%

Urbanization

38.4% of total population (2011) 3.14% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

3.14% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

38.4% of total population (2011)

Administrative divisions

14 regions; Erongo, Hardap, //Karas, Kavango East, Kavango West, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Zambezi; note - the Karas Region was renamed //Karas in September 2013 to include the alveolar lateral click of the Khoekhoegowab language

Capital

Windhoek 22 34 S, 17 05 E UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) +1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

geographic coordinates

22 34 S, 17 05 E

name

Windhoek

time difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Constitution

drafted 9 February 1990, signed 16 March 1990, entered into force 21 March 1990; amended 1998, 2010 (2010)

Country name

Republic of Namibia Namibia Republic of Namibia Namibia German South-West Africa (Sued-West Afrika), South-West Africa

conventional long form

Republic of Namibia

conventional short form

Namibia

former

German South-West Africa (Sued-West Afrika), South-West Africa

local long form

Republic of Namibia

local short form

Namibia

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Wanda L. NESBITT (since 20 July 2010) 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek [264] (61) 295-8500 [264] (61) 295-8603

chief of mission

Ambassador Wanda L. NESBITT (since 20 July 2010)

embassy

14 Lossen Street, Windhoek

FAX

[264] (61) 295-8603

mailing address

Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek

telephone

[264] (61) 295-8500

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Martin ANDJABA (since 3 September 2010) 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 [1] (202) 986-0540 [1] (202) 986-0443

chancery

1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

chief of mission

Ambassador Martin ANDJABA (since 3 September 2010)

FAX

[1] (202) 986-0443

telephone

[1] (202) 986-0540

Executive branch

President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (since 21 March 2005); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (since 21 March 2005); Prime Minister Hage GEINGOB (since 4 December 2012) Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if no single candidate receives a majority of the vote in the first round of voting, a run-off election is scheduled between the two candidates with the greatest vote count; election last held on 27-28 November 2009 (next to be held in 2014) Hifikepunye POHAMBA reelected president; percent of vote - Hifikepunye POHAMBA 76.4%, Hidipo HAMUTENYA 11.0%, Katuutire KAURA 3.0%, Kuaima RIRUAKO 2.9%, Justus GAROEB 2.4%, Ignatius SHIXWAMENI 1.3%, Hendrick MUDGE 1.2%, other 1.8%

cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly

chief of state

President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (since 21 March 2005); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

election results

Hifikepunye POHAMBA reelected president; percent of vote - Hifikepunye POHAMBA 76.4%, Hidipo HAMUTENYA 11.0%, Katuutire KAURA 3.0%, Kuaima RIRUAKO 2.9%, Justus GAROEB 2.4%, Ignatius SHIXWAMENI 1.3%, Hendrick MUDGE 1.2%, other 1.8%

elections

president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if no single candidate receives a majority of the vote in the first round of voting, a run-off election is scheduled between the two candidates with the greatest vote count; election last held on 27-28 November 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

head of government

President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (since 21 March 2005); Prime Minister Hage GEINGOB (since 4 December 2012)

Flag description

a wide red stripe edged by narrow white stripes divides the flag diagonally from lower hoist corner to upper fly corner; the upper hoist-side triangle is blue and charged with a yellow, 12-rayed sunburst; the lower fly-side triangle is green; red signifies the heroism of the people and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity for all; white stands for peace, unity, tranquility, and harmony; blue represents the Namibian sky and the Atlantic Ocean, the country's precious water resources and rain; the yellow sun denotes power and existence; green symbolizes vegetation and agricultural resources

Government type

republic

Independence

21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 3 judges in quorum sessions) judges appointed by the president of Namibia upon the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission; judges serve until age 65 but can be extended by the president until age 70 High Court; Labor Court; regional and district magistrates' courts; community courts

highest court(s)

Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 3 judges in quorum sessions)

judge selection and term of office

judges appointed by the president of Namibia upon the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission; judges serve until age 65 but can be extended by the president until age 70

subordinate courts

High Court; Labor Court; regional and district magistrates' courts; community courts

Legal system

mixed legal system of uncodified civil law based on Roman-Dutch law and customary law

Legislative branch

bicameral legislature consists of the National Council, primarily an advisory body (26 seats; two members chosen from each regional council to serve six-year terms), and the National Assembly (72 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms, an additonal six nonvoting members are appointed by the president) National Council - elections for regional councils to determine members of the National Council held on 26-27 November 2010 (next to be held in 2016); National Assembly - last held on 26-27 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2014) National Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SWAPO 24, UDF 1, DTA 1; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - SWAPO 75.3%, RDP 11.3%, DTA 3.1%, NUDO 3.0%, UDF 2.4%, APP 1.4%, RP 0.8%, COD 0.7%, SWANU 0.6%, other 1.3%; seats by party - SWAPO 54, RDP 8, DTA 2, NUDO 2, UDF 2, APP 1, COD 1, RP 1, SWANU 1

election results

National Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SWAPO 24, UDF 1, DTA 1; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - SWAPO 75.3%, RDP 11.3%, DTA 3.1%, NUDO 3.0%, UDF 2.4%, APP 1.4%, RP 0.8%, COD 0.7%, SWANU 0.6%, other 1.3%; seats by party - SWAPO 54, RDP 8, DTA 2, NUDO 2, UDF 2, APP 1, COD 1, RP 1, SWANU 1

elections

National Council - elections for regional councils to determine members of the National Council held on 26-27 November 2010 (next to be held in 2016); National Assembly - last held on 26-27 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2014)

National anthem

"Namibia, Land of the Brave" Axali DOESEB adopted 1991

lyrics/music

Axali DOESEB

name

"Namibia, Land of the Brave"

National holiday

Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

Political parties and leaders

All People's Party or APP [Ignatius SHIXWAMENI] Congress of Democrats or COD [Benjamin ULENGA] Democratic Turnhalle Alliance of Namibia or DTA [McHenry VENAANI] Monitor Action Group or MAG [Jurgie VILJOEN] National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO [Kuaima RIRUAKO] Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Hidipo HAMUTENYA] Republican Party or RP [Henk MUDGE] South West Africa National Union or SWANU [Usutuaije MAAMBERUA] South West Africa People's Organization or SWAPO [Hifikepunye POHAMBA] United Democratic Front or UDF [Justus //GAROEB]

Political pressure groups and leaders

National Society for Human Rights or NSHR (NAMRIGHTS as of 2010) various labor unions

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

millet, sorghum, peanuts, grapes; livestock; fish

Budget

$4.325 billion $5.126 billion (2013 est.)

expenditures

$5.126 billion (2013 est.)

revenues

$4.325 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-6.5% of GDP (2013 est.)

Central bank discount rate

5.5% (31 December 2013 est.) 12% (31 December 2010 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

9.25% (31 December 2013 est.) 8.7% (31 December 2012 est.)

Current account balance

-$658.4 million (2013 est.) -$414 million (2012 est.)

Debt - external

$4.312 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $4.292 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

59.7 (2010) 70.7 (2003)

Economy - overview

The economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for 11.5% of GDP, but provides more than 50% of foreign exchange earnings. Rich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Marine diamond mining is becoming increasingly important as the terrestrial diamond supply has dwindled. Namibia is the world's fourth-largest producer of uranium. It also produces large quantities of zinc and is a small producer of gold and other minerals. The mining and quarrying sectors employs only about 1.8% of the population. Namibia normally imports about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years food shortages are a major problem in rural areas. A high per capita GDP, relative to the region, hides one of the world's most unequal income distributions, as shown by Namibia's 59.7 GINI coefficient. The Namibian economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar pegged one-to-one to the South African rand. Namibia receives 30%-40% of its revenues from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Volatility in the size of Namibia's annual SACU allotment complicates budget planning. Namibia's economy remains vulnerable to volatility in the price of uranium and other commodities. The rising cost of mining diamonds, increasingly from the sea, has reduced profit margins. Namibian authorities recognize these issues and have emphasized the need to increase higher value raw materials, manufacturing, and services, especially in the logistics and transportation sectors.

Exchange rates

Namibian dollars (NAD) per US dollar - 9.282 (2013 est.) 8.2031 (2012 est.) 7.3212 (2010 est.) 8.42 (2009) 7.75 (2008)

Exports

$5.124 billion (2013 est.) $4.883 billion (2012 est.)

Exports - commodities

diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium; cattle, white fish and mollusks

Fiscal year

1 April - 31 March

GDP - composition, by end use

59.9% 26.2% 22.8% 0.5% 41.4% -50.9% (2013 est.)

exports of goods and services

41.4%

government consumption

26.2%

household consumption

59.9%

imports of goods and services

-50.9%

investment in fixed capital

22.8%

investment in inventories

0.5%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

7.7% 29.6% 62.6% (2013 est.)

agriculture

7.7%

industry

29.6%

services

62.6% (2013 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$8,200 (2013 est.) $7,900 (2012 est.) $7,600 (2011 est.) data are in 2013 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

4.4% (2013 est.) 5% (2012 est.) 5.7% (2011 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$12.3 billion (2013 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$17.79 billion (2013 est.) $17.05 billion (2012 est.) $16.23 billion (2011 est.) data are in 2013 US dollars

Gross national saving

NA% (2013 est.) 30.4% of GDP (2012 est.) 27% of GDP (2011 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.4% 42% (2010)

highest 10%

42% (2010)

lowest 10%

2.4%

Imports

$7.084 billion (2013 est.) $6.44 billion (2012 est.)

Imports - commodities

foodstuffs; petroleum products and fuel, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Industrial production growth rate

5.6% (2013 est.)

Industries

meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products, pasta, beverages; mining (diamonds, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

5.5% (2013 est.) 6.5% (2012 est.)

Labor force

880,400 (2013 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

16.3% 22.4% 61.3% about half of Namibia's people are unemployed while about two-thirds live in rural areas; roughly two-thirds of rural dwellers rely on subsistence agriculture (2008 est.)

agriculture

16.3%

industry

22.4%

services

61.3%

Market value of publicly traded shares

$1.305 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $1.152 billion (31 December 2011) $1.176 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Population below poverty line

28.7% the UNDP's 2005 Human Development Report indicated that 34.9% of the population live on $1 per day and 55.8% live on $2 per day (2010 est.)

Public debt

27.2% of GDP (2013 est.) 25.8% of GDP (2012 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$2.267 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $1.738 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of broad money

$7.22 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $7.228 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$NA

Stock of domestic credit

$5.942 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $6.266 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$2.723 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $2.941 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

35.2% of GDP (2013 est.)

Unemployment rate

27.4% (2012 est.) 51.2% (2008 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

3.217 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2013 est.)

Electricity - consumption

4.238 billion kWh (2013 est.)

Electricity - exports

89 million kWh (2013 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

31.8% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

68.2% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)

Electricity - imports

2.907 billion kWh (2013 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

487,000 kW (2013 est.)

Electricity - production

1.331 billion kWh (2013 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

62.29 billion cu m (1 January 2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

22,990 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

20,810 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Broadcast media

1 private and 1 state-run TV station; satellite and cable TV service is available; state-run radio service broadcasts in multiple languages; about a dozen private radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code

.na

Internet hosts

78,280 (2012)

Internet users

127,500 (2009)

Telephone system

good system; core fiber-optic network links most centers and connections are now digital multiple mobile-cellular providers with a combined subscribership of more than 100 telephones per 100 persons country code - 264; fiber-optic cable to South Africa, microwave radio relay link to Botswana, direct links to other neighboring countries; connected to the South African Far East (SAFE) submarine cable through South Africa; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (2010)

domestic

multiple mobile-cellular providers with a combined subscribership of more than 100 telephones per 100 persons

general assessment

good system; core fiber-optic network links most centers and connections are now digital

international

country code - 264; fiber-optic cable to South Africa, microwave radio relay link to Botswana, direct links to other neighboring countries; connected to the South African Far East (SAFE) submarine cable through South Africa; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (2010)

Telephones - main lines in use

171,000 (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

2.435 million (2012)

Airports

112 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

12

2,438 to 3,047 m

2

914 to 1,523 m

1 (2013)

over 3,047 m

4

total

19

Airports - with unpaved runways

16 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

25

914 to 1,523 m

52

total

93

Merchant marine

cargo 1 (2010)

total

1

Ports and terminals

Luderitz, Walvis Bay

major seaport(s)

Luderitz, Walvis Bay

Railways

2,626 km 2,626 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

total

2,626 km

Roadways

44,138 km 6,387 km 37,751 km (2010)

total

44,138 km

unpaved

37,751 km (2010)

Manpower available for military service

568,231 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

568,231 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service

351,431 311,513 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

311,513 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

351,431

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

26,413 26,038 (2010 est.)

female

26,038 (2010 est.)

male

26,413

Military branches

Namibian Defense Force (NDF): Army, Navy, Air Force (2013)

Namibian Defense Force (NDF)

Army, Navy, Air Force (2013)

Military expenditures

3.11% of GDP (2012) 3.38% of GDP (2011) 3.11% of GDP (2010)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2012)

Disputes - international

concerns from international experts and local populations over the Okavango Delta ecology in Botswana and human displacement scuttled Namibian plans to construct a hydroelectric dam on Popa Falls along the Angola-Namibia border; the governments of South Africa and Namibia have not signed or ratified the text of the 1994 Surveyor's General agreement placing the boundary in the middle of the Orange River; Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river

Trafficking in persons

Namibia is predominantly a country of origin and destination for children and, to a lesser extent, women subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; victims lured by promises of legitimate jobs are forced to work in hazardous condition in urban centers and on commercial farms; traffickers exploit Namibian children, as well as children from Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, for forced labor in agriculture, cattle herding, domestic service, and criminal activities; children are also forced into prostitution, often catering to tourists from southern Africa and Europe; girls of the San tribe are particularly vulnerable Tier 2 Watch List - Namibia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in 2012, the government launched a National Plan of Action on Gender-Based Violence, which included addressing human trafficking but did not complete its draft comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation or obtain parliamentary passage of the Child Care and Protection Bill, which would criminalize child trafficking; a process has been developed for referring trafficking victims for assistance but a system for screening potential victims and providing official designation of trafficking victim status is lacking (2013)

current situation

Namibia is predominantly a country of origin and destination for children and, to a lesser extent, women subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; victims lured by promises of legitimate jobs are forced to work in hazardous condition in urban centers and on commercial farms; traffickers exploit Namibian children, as well as children from Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, for forced labor in agriculture, cattle herding, domestic service, and criminal activities; children are also forced into prostitution, often catering to tourists from southern Africa and Europe; girls of the San tribe are particularly vulnerable

tier rating

Tier 2 Watch List - Namibia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in 2012, the government launched a National Plan of Action on Gender-Based Violence, which included addressing human trafficking but did not complete its draft comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation or obtain parliamentary passage of the Child Care and Protection Bill, which would criminalize child trafficking; a process has been developed for referring trafficking victims for assistance but a system for screening potential victims and providing official designation of trafficking victim status is lacking (2013)