2017 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, though the party has dropped much of its Marxist ideology. Prime Minister Hage GEINGOB was elected president in 2014 in a landslide victory, replacing Hifikepunye POHAMBA who stepped down after serving two terms. SWAPO retained its parliamentary super majority in the 2014 elections and established a system of gender parity in parliamentary positions.

Area

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

land

823,290 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

1,141 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Konigstein on Brandberg 2,573 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point

Konigstein on Brandberg 2,573 m

mean elevation

1,141 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

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

80 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

4,220 km Angola 1,427 km, Botswana 1,544 km, South Africa 1,005 km, Zambia 244 km

border countries (4)

Angola 1,427 km, Botswana 1,544 km, South Africa 1,005 km, Zambia 244 km

total

4,220 km

Land use

47.2% arable land 1%; permanent crops 0%; permanent pasture 46.2% 8.8% 44% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

47.2%

forest

8.8%

other

44% (2011 est.)

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

note

suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore

Population - distribution

population density is very low, with the largest clustering found in the extreme north-central area along the border with Angola

Terrain

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

Age structure

36.97% (male 463,810/female 454,735) 20.35% (male 251,838/female 253,823) 34.37% (male 408,536/female 445,500) 4.35% (male 48,529/female 59,543) 3.96% (male 41,912/female 56,554) (2017 est.)

0-14 years

36.97% (male 463,810/female 454,735)

15-24 years

20.35% (male 251,838/female 253,823)

25-54 years

34.37% (male 408,536/female 445,500)

55-64 years

4.35% (male 48,529/female 59,543)

65 years and over

3.96% (male 41,912/female 56,554) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

27.3 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

13.2% (2013)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

56.1% (2013)

Death rate

7.9 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Demographic profile

Planning officials view Namibia’s reduced population growth rate as sustainable based on the country’s economic growth over the past decade. Prior to independence in 1990, Namibia’s relatively small population grew at about 3% annually, but declining fertility and the impact of HIV/AIDS slowed this growth to 1.4% by 2011, rebounding to close to 2% by 2016. Namibia’s fertility rate has fallen over the last two decades – from about 4.5 children per woman in 1996 to 3.4 in 2016 – due to increased contraceptive use, higher educational attainment among women, and greater female participation in the labor force. The average age at first birth has stayed fairly constant, but the age at first marriage continues to increase, indicating a rising incidence of premarital childbearing. The majority of Namibians are rural dwellers (about 55%) and live in the better-watered north and northeast parts of the country. Migration, historically male-dominated, generally flows from northern communal areas – non-agricultural lands where blacks were sequestered under the apartheid system – to agricultural, mining, and manufacturing centers in the center and south. After independence from South Africa, restrictions on internal movement eased, and rural-urban migration increased, bolstering urban growth. Some Namibians – usually persons who are better-educated, more affluent, and from urban areas – continue to legally migrate to South Africa temporarily to visit family and friends and, much less frequently, to pursue tertiary education or better economic opportunities. Namibians concentrated along the country’s other borders make unauthorized visits to Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Botswana, to visit family and to trade agricultural goods. Few Namibians express interest in permanently settling in other countries; they prefer the safety of their homeland, have a strong national identity, and enjoy a well-supplied retail sector. Although Namibia is receptive to foreign investment and cross-border trade, intolerance toward non-citizens is widespread.

Dependency ratios

68.1 62.2 5.8 17.1 (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

5.8

potential support ratio

17.1 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

68.1

youth dependency ratio

62.2

Drinking water source

urban: 98.2% of population rural: 84.6% of population total: 91% of population urban: 1.8% of population rural: 15.4% of population total: 9% of population (2015 est.)

rural

15.4% of population

total

9% of population (2015 est.)

urban

1.8% of population

Education expenditures

8.3% 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 indigenous ethnic groups include Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%

note

about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9% to the Kavangos tribe; other indigenous ethnic groups include Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%

Health expenditures

8.9% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

13.8% (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

4,300 (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

230,000 (2016 est.)

Hospital bed density

2.7 beds/1,000 population (2009)

Infant mortality rate

35.1 deaths/1,000 live births 37.3 deaths/1,000 live births 32.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

female

32.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

male

37.3 deaths/1,000 live births

total

35.1 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Oshivambo 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.)

note

Namibia has 13 recognized national languages, including 10 indigenous African languages and 3 Indo-European languages (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

64 years 62.4 years 65.6 years (2017 est.)

female

65.6 years (2017 est.)

male

62.4 years

total population

64 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 81.9% 79.2% 84.5% (2015 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

84.5% (2015 est.)

male

79.2%

total population

81.9%

Major infectious diseases

high bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever malaria schistosomiasis (2016)

degree of risk

high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease

malaria

water contact disease

schistosomiasis (2016)

Major urban areas - population

WINDHOEK (capital) 368,000 (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

265 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

21.2 years 20.4 years 21.9 years (2017 est.)

female

21.9 years (2017 est.)

male

20.4 years

total

21.2 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

21.5 years median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2013 est.)

note

median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2013 est.)

Nationality

Namibian(s) Namibian

adjective

Namibian

noun

Namibian(s)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

17.2% (2016)

Physicians density

0.37 physicians/1,000 population (2007)

Population

2,484,780 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 2017 est.)

note

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 2017 est.)

Population distribution

population density is very low, with the largest clustering found in the extreme north-central area along the border with Angola

Population growth rate

1.95% (2017 est.)

Religions

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

Sanitation facility access

urban: 54.5% of population rural: 16.8% of population total: 34.4% of population urban: 45.5% of population rural: 83.2% of population total: 65.6% of population (2015 est.)

rural

83.2% of population

total

65.6% of population (2015 est.)

urban

45.5% of population

Sex ratio

1.03 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.99 male(s)/female 0.91 male(s)/female 0.82 male(s)/female 0.75 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.02 male(s)/female

15-24 years

0.99 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.91 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.82 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.75 male(s)/female

at birth

1.03 male(s)/female

total population

0.96 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

3.29 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

56.2% 49.4% 62.2% (2013 est.)

female

62.2% (2013 est.)

male

49.4%

total

56.2%

Urbanization

48.6% of total population (2017) 3.63% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

rate of urbanization

3.63% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population

48.6% of total population (2017)

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)

Citizenship

no at least one parent must be a citizen of Namibia no 5 years

citizenship by birth

no

citizenship by descent only

at least one parent must be a citizen of Namibia

dual citizenship recognized

no

residency requirement for naturalization

5 years

Constitution

drafted 9 February 1990, signed 16 March 1990, entered into force 21 March 1990 proposed by Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of the National Assembly membership and of the National Council of Parliament and assent by the president of the republic; if the National Council fails to pass an amendment, the president can call for a referendum; passage by referendum requires two-thirds majority of votes cast; amendments that detract from or repeal constitutional articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended, and the requisite majorities needed by Parliament to amend the constitution cannot be changed; amended 1998, 2010, 2014 (2017)

amendments

proposed by Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of the National Assembly membership and of the National Council of Parliament and assent by the president of the republic; if the National Council fails to pass an amendment, the president can call for a referendum; passage by referendum requires two-thirds majority of votes cast; amendments that detract from or repeal constitutional articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended, and the requisite majorities needed by Parliament to amend the constitution cannot be changed; amended 1998, 2010, 2014 (2017)

history

drafted 9 February 1990, signed 16 March 1990, entered into force 21 March 1990

Country name

Republic of Namibia Namibia Republic of Namibia Namibia German South-West Africa (Deutsch Suedwest Afrika), South-West Africa named for the coastal Namib Desert; the name "namib" means "vast place" in the Nama/Damara language

conventional long form

Republic of Namibia

conventional short form

Namibia

etymology

named for the coastal Namib Desert; the name "namib" means "vast place" in the Nama/Damara language

former

German South-West Africa (Deutsch Suedwest Afrika), South-West Africa

local long form

Republic of Namibia

local short form

Namibia

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Thomas Frederick DAUGHTON (since 26 November 2014) 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek [264] (61) 295-8500 [264] (61) 295-8603

chief of mission

Ambassador Thomas Frederick DAUGHTON (since 26 November 2014)

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 16 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 16 September 2010)

FAX

[1] (202) 986-0443

telephone

[1] (202) 986-0540

Executive branch

President Hage GEINGOB (since 21 March 2015); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government President Hage GEINGOB (since 21 March 2015); Prime Minister Saara KUUGONGELWA-AMADHILA (since 21 March 2015) Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of the National Assembly president elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 November 2014 (next to be held in November 2019) Hage GEINGOB elected president; percent of vote - Hage GEINGOB (SWAPO) 86.7%, McHenry VENAANI (DTA) 5.0%, Hidipo HAMUTENYA (RDP) 3.4%, Asser MBAI (NUDO)1.9%, Henk MUDGE (RP) 1.0%, other 2.0%

cabinet

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

chief of state

President Hage GEINGOB (since 21 March 2015); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

election results

Hage GEINGOB elected president; percent of vote - Hage GEINGOB (SWAPO) 86.7%, McHenry VENAANI (DTA) 5.0%, Hidipo HAMUTENYA (RDP) 3.4%, Asser MBAI (NUDO)1.9%, Henk MUDGE (RP) 1.0%, other 2.0%

elections/appointments

president elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 November 2014 (next to be held in November 2019)

head of government

President Hage GEINGOB (since 21 March 2015); Prime Minister Saara KUUGONGELWA-AMADHILA (since 21 March 2015)

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 golden-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 golden-yellow sun denotes power and existence; green symbolizes vegetation and agricultural resources

Government type

presidential 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, CPLP (associate observer), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, 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 terms 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 terms 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 Parliament consists of the National Assembly (104 seats; 96 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms and 8 nonvoting members appointed by the president) and the National Council, which primarily reviews legislation passed and referred by the National Assembly (42 seats); members indirectly elected 3 each by the 14 regional councils to serve 5-year terms) National Council - elections for regional councils to determine members of the National Council held on 27 November 2015 (next to be held in November 2020); National Assembly - last held on 28 November 2014 (next to be held in November 2019) National Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SWAPO 40, NUDO 1, DTA 1; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - SWAPO 80.0%, DTA 4.8%, RDP 3.5%, APP 2.3%, UDF 2.1%, NUDO 2.0%, CPN 1.5%, other 3.8%; seats by party - SWAPO 77, DTA 5, RDP 3, APP 2, UDF 2, NUDO 2, CPN 2, SWANU 1, UPM 1, RP 1

description

bicameral Parliament consists of the National Assembly (104 seats; 96 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms and 8 nonvoting members appointed by the president) and the National Council, which primarily reviews legislation passed and referred by the National Assembly (42 seats); members indirectly elected 3 each by the 14 regional councils to serve 5-year terms)

election results

National Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SWAPO 40, NUDO 1, DTA 1; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - SWAPO 80.0%, DTA 4.8%, RDP 3.5%, APP 2.3%, UDF 2.1%, NUDO 2.0%, CPN 1.5%, other 3.8%; seats by party - SWAPO 77, DTA 5, RDP 3, APP 2, UDF 2, NUDO 2, CPN 2, SWANU 1, UPM 1, RP 1

elections

National Council - elections for regional councils to determine members of the National Council held on 27 November 2015 (next to be held in November 2020); National Assembly - last held on 28 November 2014 (next to be held in November 2019)

National anthem

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

lyrics/music

Axali DOESEB

name

"Namibia, Land of the Brave"

note

adopted 1991

National holiday

Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

National symbol(s)

oryx (antelope); national colors: blue, red, green, white, yellow

oryx (antelope); national colors

blue, red, green, white, yellow

Political parties and leaders

All People's Party or APP [Ignatius SHIXWAMENI] Communist Party of Namibia or CPN (formerly known as Workers' Revolutionary Party or WRP) [Attie BEUKES and Harry BOESAK] Democratic Turnhalle Alliance of Namibia or DTA [McHenry VENAANI] National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO [Asser MBAI] Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Jeremiah NAMBINGA] Republican Party or RP [Henk MUDGE] South West Africa National Union or SWANU [Usutuaije MAAMBERUA] South West Africa People's Organization or SWAPO [Hage GEINGOB, acting president] United Democratic Front or UDF [Apius AUCHAB] United People's Movement or UPM [Jan J. VAN WYK]

Political pressure groups and leaders

National Society for Human Rights or NAMRIGHTS labor unions

other

labor unions

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

millet, sorghum, peanuts, grapes; livestock; fish

Budget

$3.502 billion $4.197 billion (2016 est.)

expenditures

$4.197 billion (2016 est.)

revenues

$3.502 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-6.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

7% (12 April 2017) 6.5% (31 December 2015)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

9.87% (31 December 2016 est.) 9.32% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$-1.529 billion (2016 est.) $-1.7 billion (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$6.904 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $6.155 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

59.7 (2010) 70.7 (2003)

Economy - overview

Namibia’s 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 increasingly important as the terrestrial diamond supply has dwindled. The rising cost of mining diamonds, especially from the sea, combined with increased diamond production in Russia and China, has reduced profit margins. Namibian authorities have emphasized the need to add value to raw materials, do more in-country manufacturing, and exploit the services market, especially in the logistics and transportation sectors. Namibia is the world's fifth-largest producer of uranium. The Chinese-owned Husab uranium mine is expected to start producing uranium ore in 2017. Once the Husab mine reaches full production, Namibia is expected to become the world’s second-largest producer of uranium. Namibia also produces large quantities of zinc and is a smaller producer of gold and copper. Namibia's economy remains vulnerable to world commodity price fluctuations and drought. Namibia normally imports about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years, food shortages are problematic in rural areas. A high per capita GDP, relative to the region, obscures one of the world's most unequal income distributions. A priority of the current government is poverty eradication. Despite a drought, real GDP growth remained strong in 2015 around 5.3% because of construction in the mining and housing sectors coupled with expansionary fiscal policy. GDP growth in 2016 slowed to 1%, however, due to contractions in both the construction and mining sectors, as well as the ongoing drought. Growth is expected to recover modestly in 2017 and 2018. A five-year Millennium Challenge Corporation compact ended in September 2014. As an upper middle income country, Namibia is ineligible for a second compact. 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 and global mineral prices complicates budget planning.

Exchange rates

Namibian dollars (NAD) per US dollar - 14.7096 (2016 est.) 14.7096 (2015 est.) 12.7589 (2014 est.) 10.8526 (2013 est.) 8.2 (2012 est.)

Exports

$4.003 billion (2016 est.) $4.015 billion (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

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

Exports - partners

Switzerland 20%, South Africa 17.1%, Botswana 15%, Zambia 6.7%, Spain 4.6%, Italy 4.2% (2016)

Fiscal year

1 April - 31 March

GDP - composition, by end use

73.3% 25.1% 24.1% 1.5% 42.7% -66.7% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services

42.7%

government consumption

25.1%

household consumption

73.3%

imports of goods and services

-66.7% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital

24.1%

investment in inventories

1.5%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

6.2% 25.9% 67.9% (2016 est.)

agriculture

6.2%

industry

25.9%

services

67.9% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$11,300 (2016 est.) $11,400 (2015 est.) $11,000 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

1.1% (2016 est.) 6% (2015 est.) 6.4% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$10.95 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$26.35 billion (2016 est.) $25.74 billion (2015 est.) $24.02 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

11.6% of GDP (2016 est.) 20.9% of GDP (2015 est.) 24.1% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.4% 42% (2010)

highest 10%

42% (2010)

lowest 10%

2.4%

Imports

$6.441 billion (2016 est.) $6.914 billion (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

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

Imports - partners

South Africa 57.1%, Botswana 6.8%, Zambia 4.1% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

-9% (2016 est.)

Industries

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

6.7% (2016 est.) 3.4% (2015 est.)

Labor force

939,600 (2016 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

31% 14% 54% 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 (2013 est.)

agriculture

31%

industry

14%

note

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 (2013 est.)

services

54%

Market value of publicly traded shares

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

Population below poverty line

28.7% (2010 est.)

Public debt

40.7% of GDP (2016 est.) 39.9% of GDP (2015 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$1.834 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $1.688 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$6.281 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $5.271 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$NA

Stock of domestic credit

$7.006 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $5.36 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$2.898 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $2.582 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

32.9% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

28.1% (2014 est.) 29.6% (2013 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

4 million Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2017 es)

Electricity - consumption

3.771 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - exports

88 million kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

30.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

64.6% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

5.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - imports

2.623 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

514,200 kW (2015 est.)

Electricity - production

1.519 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity access

1,600,000 32% 50% 17% (2013)

electrification - rural areas

17% (2013)

electrification - total population

32%

electrification - urban areas

50%

population without electricity

1,600,000

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

62.29 billion cu m (1 January 2017 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

25,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

79.56 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

24,700 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Broadcast media

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

Internet country code

.na

Internet users

756,118 31.0% (July 2016 est.)

percent of population

31.0% (July 2016 est.)

total

756,118

Telephone system

good system; core fiber-optic network links most centers with digital connections multiple mobile-cellular providers with a combined subscribership of about 110 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 submarine cable through South Africa; connected to the West Africa Cable System, an ultra-high capacity fiber-optic submarine cable linking southern and western African countries to Europe; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (2016)

domestic

multiple mobile-cellular providers with a combined subscribership of about 110 telephones per 100 persons

general assessment

good system; core fiber-optic network links most centers with digital connections

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 submarine cable through South Africa; connected to the West Africa Cable System, an ultra-high capacity fiber-optic submarine cable linking southern and western African countries to Europe; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (2016)

Telephones - fixed lines

187,812 8 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

8 (July 2016 est.)

total subscriptions

187,812

Telephones - mobile cellular

2,659,951 109 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

109 (July 2016 est.)

total

2,659,951

Airports

112 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2017)

1,524 to 2,437 m

12

2,438 to 3,047 m

2

914 to 1,523 m

1 (2017)

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

under 914 m

16 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

V5 (2016)

Merchant marine

cargo 1 (2010)

by type

cargo 1 (2010)

total

1

National air transport system

553,322 30,302,405 mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

30,302,405 mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

553,322

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

12

number of registered air carriers

2

Ports and terminals

Luderitz, Walvis Bay

major seaport(s)

Luderitz, Walvis Bay

Railways

2,628 km 2,628 km 1.067-m gauge (2014)

narrow gauge

2,628 km 1.067-m gauge (2014)

total

2,628 km

Roadways

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

paved

6,387 km

total

44,138 km

unpaved

37,751 km (2010)

Military branches

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

Namibian Defense Force (NDF)

Army, Navy, Air Force (2013)

Military expenditures

4.44% of GDP (2016) 4.7% of GDP (2015) 4.18% of GDP (2014) 3.07% of GDP (2013) 3.17% of GDP (2012)

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 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 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, fishing, and street vending; children are also forced into prostitution, often catering to tourists from southern Africa and Europe; San and Zemba children are particularly vulnerable; foreign adults and Namibian adults and children are reportedly subjected to forced labor in Chinese-owned retail, construction, and fishing operations 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; Namibia was granted a waiver from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 because its government has a written plan that, if implemented would constitute making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; in 2015, the Child Care and Protection Bill passed, criminalizing child trafficking; the government’s first sex trafficking prosecution remained pending; no new prosecutions were initiated and no trafficking offenders have ever been convicted; accusations of forced labor at Chinese construction and mining companies continue to go uninvestigated; authorities failed to fully implement victim identification and referral processes, which led to the deportation of possible victims (2015)

current situation

Namibia is 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 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, fishing, and street vending; children are also forced into prostitution, often catering to tourists from southern Africa and Europe; San and Zemba children are particularly vulnerable; foreign adults and Namibian adults and children are reportedly subjected to forced labor in Chinese-owned retail, construction, and fishing operations

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; Namibia was granted a waiver from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 because its government has a written plan that, if implemented would constitute making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; in 2015, the Child Care and Protection Bill passed, criminalizing child trafficking; the government’s first sex trafficking prosecution remained pending; no new prosecutions were initiated and no trafficking offenders have ever been convicted; accusations of forced labor at Chinese construction and mining companies continue to go uninvestigated; authorities failed to fully implement victim identification and referral processes, which led to the deportation of possible victims (2015)