Moving to Namibia: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

5 facts — expand for details.

Population

2,630,073

Population - note

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

Population Growth Rate

0.75%

Urban Population

38.400000

Population in Major Urban Areas

WINDHOEK (capital) 380,000

10 facts — expand for details.

Age Structure

37.390000

Median Age

22.400000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

21

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

13.33

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.33

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

55.1%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

55.1%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

21.4

Mother's mean age at first birth

21.4

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

.1

Ethnic Groups

black 87.5%, white 6%, mixed 6.5%

Nationality Noun

Namibian(s)

6 facts — expand for details.

Literacy - total population

85%

Literacy - male

84.4%

Literacy - female

83.7%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

8.4%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

11.000000

12 facts — expand for details.

Life Expectancy at Birth

52.030000

Infant Mortality Rate

45.620000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

45.620000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

200

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.37

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

2.7

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

5.3%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

9.5%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

98.400000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

56.100000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

17.5%

4 facts — expand for details.

Economic Overview

Namibia's Economic Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges Nestled in the southwestern corner of Africa, Namibia has vast landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a promising economic outlook.

Since gaining independence from South Africa in 1990, Namibia has made significant strides in developing its economy, yet it grapples with persistent challenges.

Let's delve into the factors shaping Namibia's economic landscape.

Economic Structure Namibia's economy is diverse, with sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing contributing significantly to its GDP.

Mining, particularly diamond and uranium extraction, remains a cornerstone of the economy, accounting for a substantial portion of export earnings and government revenue.

The country is also endowed with other mineral resources, including copper, gold, and zinc, contributing to its resilience in mining.

Agriculture plays a vital role in Namibia's economy, employing a large portion of the population, particularly in rural areas.

Livestock farming, including cattle, goats, and sheep, is the primary agricultural activity supported by a network of communal and commercial farms.

However, the sector faces challenges such as erratic rainfall patterns, land degradation, and limited access to markets and financing, hindering its full potential.

Tourism is another critical sector driving Namibia's economy, thanks to its breathtaking natural landscapes, including the iconic Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, and the Skeleton Coast.

The sector has shown resilience despite occasional setbacks, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and employment opportunities.

Challenges Facing Namibia's Economy While Namibia boasts a diverse economic base, it grapples with several challenges that impede its growth and development.

Income inequality remains a pressing issue, with a significant portion of the population living in poverty, particularly in rural areas.

Addressing this disparity requires targeted policies to improve access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all Namibians.

Infrastructure deficits pose another challenge to Namibia's economic development.

While the country has made investments in infrastructure projects, including road networks and ports, further upgrades and expansions are needed to support economic activities across the country.

Improving infrastructure enhances connectivity and facilitates trade and investment, fostering economic growth.

Furthermore, Namibia faces environmental challenges, including droughts and climate change, which impact agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity.

Addressing these challenges requires sustainable development strategies that balance economic growth with environmental conservation and resilience-building measures.

Opportunities for Growth Despite these challenges, Namibia remains well-positioned to capitalize on various economic growth and diversification opportunities.

The country's strategic location as a gateway to southern Africa presents opportunities for trade and investment, particularly in the logistics and transportation sectors.

Enhancing trade facilitation measures and infrastructure connectivity can further leverage Namibia's position as a regional trade hub.

Moreover, Namibia has untapped potential in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power.

Expanding renewable energy infrastructure reduces reliance on fossil fuels, creates employment opportunities, and promotes sustainable development.

Industries

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

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$11,300.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.8%

9 facts — expand for details.

GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$22,600,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$11,300.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.8%

GDP - official exchange rate

$12,860,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 69.2% government
• consumption: 27.3% investment in fixed
• capital: 29.9% investment in
• inventories: -1.2% exports of goods and
• services: 39.6% imports of goods and
• services: -64.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

6.2%

GDP by Sector- Industry

30%

GDP by Sector- services

63.8%

Industrial Growth Rate

6.5%

5 facts — expand for details.

Inflation Rate

4.6%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Namibian dollar (NAD); South African rand (ZAR)

Currency Name and Code

Namibia Dollar (NAD) and South Afrtican Rand (ZAR)

Fiscal Year

1 April - 31 March

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

9.25%

5 facts — expand for details.

Labor Force

729,000

Unemployment Rate

51.2%

Major Industries

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

Agriculture Products

• millet, sorghum, peanuts
• livestock
• fish

Population Below Poverty Line

55.8%

4 facts — expand for details.

Labor Force by Occupation - 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

Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

16.3%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

22.4%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

61.3%

Labor Force by Occupation - 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

4 facts — expand for details.

Annual Budget

$2,997,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

39.6%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-6.5%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

35.2%

8 facts — expand for details.

Full Country Name

Republic of Namibia

Country Name

Namibia

Local - Long

Republic of Namibia

Local - Short

Namibia

Former Name

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

Etymology- history of name

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

Independence

21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

10 facts — expand for details.

Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: adopted 9 February 1990, entered into force 21 March 1990
• amendments: passage requires majority vote of the National Assembly membership and of the National Council of Parliament and assent of 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

Legal System:

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

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Netumbo Nandi-NDAITWAH (since 21 March 2025)
• head of government: President Netumbo Nandi-NDAITWAH (since 21 March 2025)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of the National Assembly election/appointment
• process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term) most recent election
• date: 27 November 2024
• election results: 2024: Netumbo Nandi-NDAITWAH elected president in the first round; percent of vote -Netumbo Nandi-NDAITWAH (SWAPO) 57%, Panduleni ITULA (IPC) 26%, McHenry VENAANI (PDM) 5.10%, Bernadus SWARTBOOI (LPM) 4.72%, Job AMUPANDA (AR) 1.80%, Hendrik GAOBEAB (UDF) 1.16%; other 3.31% 2019: Hage GEINGOB reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Hage GEINGOB (SWAPO) 56.3%, Panduleni ITULA (independent) 29.4%, McHenry VENAANI (PDM) 5.3%, other .9% expected date of next
• election: November 2029
• note: the president is both chief of state and head of government

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral Parliament consists of: National Council (42 seats); members indirectly elected 3 each by the 14 regional councils to serve 5-year terms);
• Note: the Council primarily reviews legislation passed and referred by the National Assembly National Assembly (104 seats; 96 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by closed list, proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms and 8 nonvoting members appointed by the president)
• elections: National Council - elections for regional councils to determine members of the National Council held on 25 November 2020 (next to be held on 25 November 2025)
• National Assembly - last held on 27 November 2019 (next to be held in 2024)
• election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SWAPO 28, LPM 6,IPC 2, PDM 2, UDF 2, NUDO 1, independent 1; composition as of July 2022 - men 36, women 6, percent of women 14.3%
• National Assembly - percent of vote by party - SWAPO 65.5%, PDM 16.6%, LPM 4.7%, NUDO 1.9%, APP 1.8%, UDF 1.8%, RP 1.8%, NEFF 1.7%, RDP 1.1%, CDV .7%, SWANU .6%, other 1.8%; seats by party - SWAPO 63, PDM 16, LPM 4, NUDO 2, APP 2, UDF 2, RP 2, NEFF 2, RDP 1, CDV 1, SWANU 1; composition as of July 2022 - men 58, women 46, percent of women 44.2%;
• Note: overall percent of women in Parliament 35.6%

Judicial Branch:

• 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; Electoral Court, Labor Court; regional and district magistrates' courts; community courts

Regions or States:

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

Political Parties and Leaders:

• All People's Party or APP (Erastus SHUUMBWA)
• Christian Democratic Voice or CDV [Gothard KANDUME]
• Landless People's Movement or LPM [Bernadus SWARTBOOI]
• National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO [Esther MUINJANGUE]
• Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters or NEFF [Epafras MUKWIILONGO]
• Popular Democratic Movement or PDM [McHenry VENAANI] (formerly Democratic Turnhalle Alliance or DTA)
• Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Mike KAVEKOTORA]
• Republican Party or RP [Henk MUDGE]
• South West Africa National Union or SWANU [Charles KATJIVIRUE]
• South West Africa People's Organization or SWAPO [Hage GEINGOB]
• United Democratic Front or UDF [Apius AUCHAB]
• United People's Movement or UPM [Jan J. VAN WYK]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• 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

4 facts — expand for details.

Capital Name

Windhoek

Capital - geographic coordinate

22 34 S, 17 05 E

Capital Time Difference

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

Daylight Savings Time

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

4 facts — expand for details.

International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• AU
• 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
• UNHRC
• UNIDO
• UNISFA
• UNMIL
• UNMISS
• UNOCI
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Randy William BERRY (since 9 February 2023)
• Embassy: 38 Metje Street, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek
• Mailing Address: 2540 Windhoek Place, Washington DC 20521-2540
• Telephone: [264] (061) 295-8500
• FAX: [264] (061) 202-5219
• Email: ConsularWindhoek@state.gov
• Website: https://na.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Margaret Natalie MENSAH-WILLIAMS (since 18 January 2021)
• Chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
• Telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540
• FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443
• Email: info@namibiaembassyusa.org
• Website: https://namibiaembassyusa.org/

8 facts — expand for details.

Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

22 00 S, 17 00 E

Total Area

318,259 Square Miles 824,292 Square Kilometers

Land Area

317,872 Square Miles 823,290 Square Kilometers

Water Area

387 Square Miles 1,002 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

2,446 Miles 3,936 Kilometers

Border Countries

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

Coastline

977 Miles 1,572 Kilometers

6 facts — expand for details.

Terrain

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

Highest Point

2,606 Meters

Highest Point Location

Konigstein 2,606 m

Lowest Point Location

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, zinc, salt, vanadium, natural gas, hydropower, fish

Irrigated Land

29 Square Miles 75 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

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

Daylight saving time

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

5 facts — expand for details.

Climate

Namibia’s climate is typical of a semi-desert and high plateau country, with hot days and cool nights.

In mid-summer (December–February), daytime temperatures can exceed 100°F in lower elevations.

In Windhoek, January average high temperatures are in the 90s.

Winter (May–September) sees daytime highs of about 70°F; nights can be cold, dipping below freezing.

Windhoek enjoys about 300 sunny days a year.

Rains usually come from December through March, peaking in February, for a yearly average rainfall of 12–16 inches in Windhoek.

The unrelenting dryness of the rest of the year makes the rains refreshing, welcome, and eagerly anticipated, turning the mountains surrounding Windhoek green for the brief summer months.

Terrain

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

Location

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

Total Area

318,259 Square Miles 824,292 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

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

Environment - Current Issues

• very limited natural fresh water resources
• desertification
• wildlife poaching
• land degradation has led to few conservation areas

Environment - International 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

4 facts — expand for details.

Exports

$4,277,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$5,152,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium; cattle, processed fish, karakul skins

Major Imports

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

Top Export Partners

EU 79%, US 4%

Top Import Partners

US 50%, EU 31%

Export Partners

EU 79%, US 4%

Import Partners

US 50%, EU 31%

2 facts — expand for details.

Country Description

Namibia is a southern African country with a moderately developed economy.

Facilities for tourism are good and generally improving in quality.

The capital is Windhoek.

Safety & Security

U.S. citizens wishing to cross into neighboring countries (Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia) from Namibia should do so only at official border crossing areas and should consult the State Department's Country Specific Information for information about entrance requirements for these countries.

Though street demonstrations are rare in Namibia, U.S. citizens should avoid them when they occur.

U.S. citizens traveling in Namibia are urged to contact the U.S.

Embassy’s consular section in Windhoek for the latest safety and security information.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler App from iTunes or the Android market for travel information at your fingertips.

You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.

These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself.

Take some time before travel to improve your personal security—things are not always as they are in the United States.

Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

Cell phone coverage in Namibia is generally good in areas near main roads.

Mobile phone users may call 112 in an emergency and will be connected to the appropriate service (e.g., police, hospital, etc.) It is not necessary to dial an area code when calling this number.

2 facts — expand for details.

Crime

Crime is a serious concern in Namibia, but visitors who employ common-sense preventive measures normally enjoy an incident-free stay.

Incidents of violent crime directed specifically against U.S. citizens or other foreigners are rare.

The most common crimes are property-motivated crimes of opportunity, including pick-pocketing, purse snatching, vehicle theft, and vehicle break-ins.

Such crimes most commonly occur in the central business districts of cities, or other areas frequently visited by foreign tourists, both at night and during the day.

Basic precautions remain the best deterrents against becoming a victim.

Be alert to your surroundings, avoid dark or isolated areas, don’t leave valuables in parked cars, and keep car doors locked and windows up while driving.

Safeguard purses, wallets, and cellular phones while in public.

Drivers should also exercise caution at rest stops between towns; whenever possible, avoid driving or making rest stops by the road at night.

Take special care when utilizing a taxi or other transportation service.

Criminals posing as taxi drivers have occasionally robbed passengers in the past.

The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA) has taken steps to regulate taxi drivers by allocating registration numbers (one alphabetical designation followed by a two-digit number), which are prominently pasted on the doors and rear windscreens of legitimate taxis.

Generally, travelers are more likely to find a legitimate taxi service if booked through a hotel rather than by flagging down a driver randomly on the street.

Whatever your circumstance, be cautious and aware of your surroundings when utilizing taxi services; take note of the vehicle license and taxi registration numbers, as well as the name of your driver.

ATM and Credit Card Fraud is becoming more sophisticated and more common in Namibia.

ATM users should be suspicious of any unknown person approaching while at an ATM, even if that person appears to be offering assistance.

A variety of distraction schemes have been used to steal money or information from tourists at ATMs.

Perpetrators may also use card-reading or card-trapping devices attached to ATMs to procure PIN codes or other important personal information.

Carefully inspect an ATM before using it and, whenever possible, try to use ATMs which are enclosed and/or under guard.

While most business establishments deal honestly, some may have individual employees who use card-reading machines to steal information when patrons pay with a credit card.

This can be done with hand-held devices in a matter of seconds.

Whenever possible, pay with cash.

If you must use a credit card, then it is best to observe the transaction closely as it is processed, and to ensure that the card is not taken out of your sight.

Many banks and credit card companies have the capacity to send automatic “alerts” by e-mail or text message when a card has been used.

Before traveling, inquire whether your bank or credit card issuer will provide such services.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too.

The government has also begun to establish “Tourist Protection Units” (TPUs) which are mandated to carefully monitor criminal activity in areas frequented by tourists and to assist tourists victimized by crime.

TPUs exist in Windhoek and in Swakopmund.

If you are a victim of crime in one of these cities, please contact: Windhoek Main Police Station 061-209-4339 Swakopmund Police Station 064-405-558

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Namibia, you are subject to its laws.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States.

For example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Namibia, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

U.S. citizens should avoid purchasing diamonds and other protected resources outside of licensed retail establishments.

The penalty for illegal dealing in diamonds in Namibia is stiff – up to U.S. $20,000 in fines or five years in prison – and the courts generally impose the maximum sentence.

The purchase and exportation of other protected resources (for example, elephant ivory or hunting trophies from certain endangered species) may also be prohibited by Namibian, international, and/or U.S. law.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Namibia, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the U.S.

2 facts — expand for details.

Medical Facilities

Windhoek has a small number of private medical hospitals and clinics capable of providing emergency care and performing many routine procedures.

Doctors – both general practitioners and specialists – as well as dentists generally have training and facilities that are comparable to U.S. standards.

Facilities outside the capital vary widely.

Several large towns have well-equipped facilities similar to those available in Windhoek, while smaller towns generally do not.

Malaria is prevalent only in the north of the country.

Malaria prophylaxis is not required in Windhoek, but is suggested for travel to the north.

Traffic Safety

The information below concerning Namibia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

In Namibia, driving is done on the left-hand side of the road.

Many of Namibia's rural roads are gravel.

Although these roads are generally well maintained, controlling a vehicle on gravel is significantly more difficult than on pavement.

Drivers should not drive in excess of 80km per hour (45 mph) on gravel roads, should reduce speed significantly for curves or turns, and should heed all warning signs.

Hitting a sand patch or driving around a curve too fast can easily result in a rollover or spinout.

Many accidents on gravel roads occur when tourists exceed safe speeds on corners or in areas recently damaged by rains.

Visitors are reminded that motor vehicle accidents – often, single car accidents – are one of the primary causes of injury and death in Namibia, and drivers are therefore strongly urged to drive with caution.

For those driving outside the capital, distances between cities can be considerable, and often gasoline is only available at a few service stations along a route.

Fuel availability can be affected by power outages as well.

All travelers are encouraged to plan their route to ensure a sufficient supply of fuel, and to carry five liters of water per person when traveling on dirt roads to guard against dehydration if an accident should occur.

Turning at a red traffic light is not permitted in Namibia.

Seat belts are required for all vehicle occupants.

Motorcyclists are required by law to wear protective helmets.

While child car seats are not required, they are recommended.It is an offense to use a mobile phone while driving.

The traffic fine is the equivalent of approximately U.S. $200.

To drive legally while in Namibia, visitors staying more than 90 days need an international driving permit.

International driving permits must be obtained prior to leaving the United States and are available from either the American Automobile Association or the American Automobile Touring Alliance.

Short-term visitors do not need an international driving permit; a valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient.

Roads in Namibia are generally well maintained.

However, few have shoulders or “pull-off” lanes for broken down vehicles.

Wildlife wandering on roads is a special driving hazard in Namibia, especially at night.

An encounter at high speeds with antelope or cattle can be fatal.

The salt-surfaced roads at the coast can also be deceptively dangerous, especially when they have been made slick by morning or evening mist.

Robberies have occurred at roadside "rest stops," so motorists are advised to take rest breaks in towns and/or at gasoline stations.

6 facts — expand for details.

Airports - total

112

Airports with Paved Runways

19

Railways

1,632 Miles 2,626 Kilometers

Roadways- total

27,426 Miles 44,138 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

3,969 Miles 6,387 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Luderitz, Walvis Bay

7 facts — expand for details.

Telephones

142,100

Cell Phones

800,300

Internet Users

101,000

Internet Country Code

.na

Internet Hosts

76,020

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

Telephone System

• assessment: good system; core fiber-optic network links most centers and connections are now digital
• domestic: multiple mobile-cellular providers with a combined subscribership of more than 100 telephones per 100 persons
• 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

6 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

2,845,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

40,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

2,045,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,491,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

62,290,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

22,990

Anthem Lyrics English

Land of the Brave - Namibia land of the brave Freedom fight we he won Glory to their bravery Whose blood waters our freedom We give our love and loyalty Together in unity Contrasting beautiful Namibia Namibia our country Beloved land of savannahs Hold high the banner of liberty - Namibia our Country Namibia Motherland We love thee