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Capital: Windhoek
Population(1995): 1,652,000
Size: 318,000 sq mi
Geography
Namibia is bordered by Angola in the north, by Zambia in the northeast, by Botswana in the east, by South Africa in the southeast and south, and by the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The Orange River forms the southern boundary, and the Kunene, Cubango, and Zambezi rivers form parts of the northern and northeastern borders. The country includes the Caprivi Strip in the northeast. The capital and largest city of Namibia is Windhoek .
Economy
Because of inadequate rainfall, crops are not widely raised and pastoralism forms the backbone of the agricultural sector. Goats and sheep are raised mainly in the south, and cattle are herded chiefly in the north. About half the people make their living by agriculture, mainly from Karakul pelts, livestock, and dairy goods. The country's few manufactures are made up mostly of processed food. There is an extensive mining industry, run principally by foreign-owned companies. Namibia is a major producer of gem-quality diamonds, the country's principal export. Other important minerals are uranium, copper, lead, gold, zinc, silver, tin, and tungsten. Fishing fleets operate in the Atlantic. The central part of the country is served by roads and rail lines that are linked with those of South Africa, its largest trading partner. Namibia is a member of the Southern African Development Community.
*Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2003. |