Flag of Namibia

Namibia

Southern Africa

Namibia is a country in Southern Africa, home to 3 million people, with an area of 825,615 km². Its capital is Windhoek.

Namibia
Capital
Windhoek
Population
3 million
Area
825,615 km²
Region
Southern Africa
Density
3.7 / km²
Status
Sovereign state
Namibia · Southern Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Namibia is known for

Namibia is best known for Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei and Fish River Canyon.

Namibia is a country located in southern Africa, bordered by Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, South Africa to the south and southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is known for its vast and rugged landscapes, including the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert, and the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world.

Namibia at a glance

Language
English is the official language, with numerous indigenous languages also spoken
Currency
Namibian dollar (NAD)
Religion
Christianity is the predominant religion in Namibia, but traditional indigenous religions are also practiced
National dish
Potjiekos (a meat and vegetable stew cooked in a cast-iron pot over an open fire)
Climate
Namibia is mostly arid, with hot and dry conditions throughout the year. The coastal regions are cooler and more humid
Main industries
Mining, including diamonds, uranium, and copper; agriculture, including livestock and crop production; and tourism
GDP
$14.1 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development
Namibia is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 130 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Namibia

Some of the main tourist attractions in Namibia include:

  • Etosha National Park a wildlife reserve known for its large herds of elephants, lions, and other animals.
  • Sossusvlei a desert region known for its towering sand dunes and stunning landscapes.
  • Fish River Canyon the second-largest canyon in the world, with breathtaking views and hiking trails.
  • Swakopmund a coastal town known for its German colonial architecture and outdoor activities, such as sandboarding and skydiving.
  • Skeleton Coast a stretch of coastline known for its rugged landscapes and shipwrecks.
  • Twyfelfontein a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock engravings.
  • Cape Cross Seal Reserve a protected area known for its large colony of Cape fur seals.
  • Himba Village a cultural village where visitors can learn about the traditional lifestyle of the Himba people.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Namibia has to offer. The country is also known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse indigenous communities.

Namibia in pictures

Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia

Namibia on video

The player loads when you press play — nothing is requested from the video host before that.

Namibia compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Southern Africa.

CountryPopulationAreaCapital
Flag of NamibiaNamibia3 million825,615 km²Windhoek
Flag of BotswanaBotswana2.7 million581,730 km²Gaborone
Flag of LesothoLesotho2.3 million30,355 km²Maseru
Flag of EswatiniEswatini1.2 million17,364 km²Mbabane

Ranked 135th of 195 countries by population and 34th by area.

Questions about Namibia

What is the capital of Namibia?

The capital of Namibia is Windhoek.

How many people live in Namibia?

About 3 million people. Ranked 135th of 195 countries by population and 34th by area.

How big is Namibia?

Namibia covers 825,615 km², in Southern Africa.

What is Namibia known for?

Namibia is best known for Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei and Fish River Canyon.

What language is spoken in Namibia?

English is the official language, with numerous indigenous languages also spoken.

What currency is used in Namibia?

Namibian dollar (NAD).

Is Namibia a country?

Yes. Namibia is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.

Keep going