Namibia

A Brief History of Namibia:

Nation, Culture, and Economic Development Geographic and Demographic Overview Namibia, officially known as the Republic of Namibia, is located on the southwestern coast of Africa. Bounding Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana and South Africa to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, this nation is embodying the meeting point of various cultural, historical, and geographic peculiarities. With a population of about 2.7 million and the second lowest population density worldwide, Namibia is a bundle of diverse people groups spanning the Ovambo, Damara, Herero, and Himba. Namibian whites, who make up 5% of the populace, generally stem from German, British, Afrikaner, and mixed descent.

History of Namibia, the Republic of Namibia. Linguistic and Religious Diverseness In the sphere of language, the country is equally diverse. Approximately thirteen languages are orally practiced, eight of which are recognized as national languages with English holding the official status. Belonging to diverse faith practices, most Namibians are Christians (between 80%-90% of the population) - with Protestants making up about 75% of the faithful. The remaining populace embraces Islam, Judaism or traditional religion.

The Pre-colonial to Colonial Transition Historically, the San, Damara, and Nama people were the original inhabitants of Namibia's deserts before the Bantu encroachment in the 14th century. However, the 18th century witnessed the arrival of the Oorlam people from the Cape Colony into southern Namibia. Although some Portuguese navigators had explored the area between 1485 and 1486, there was no attempt at colonization until the 19th century, when German and Swedish explorers began trading in and colonizing the area. Otto von Bismarck of Germany seized Namibia in 1884, partly to prevent British encroachment, leading to its known identity as German South West Africa. Namibia and the Herero Genocide A catastrophic moment in Namibia's history arrived when the Namaqua and Herero tribes rose against German rule between 1904 and 1907.

The revolt was brutally crushed, resulting in the genocide of half of the Nama and 80% of the Herero tribes. Road to Independence During World War I, South African forces wrested control of the region from the Germans, embarking on a rule that would continue until Namibian independence. However, no substantial efforts were made to prepare South West Africa for its much-awaited independence. Even when the UN passed a motion stipulating that territories under League of Nations mandate be returned to their Trusteeship Council in readiness for independence, South Africa remained intractably opposed. This triggered the establishment of the South West African People’s Organization (SWAPO) in 1966, which commenced a protracted insurgency. By 1975, weary from the relentless insurgency, South Africa finally acceded to Namibian independence under certain conditions. Ceasefires were declared, flouted, and reinstated until all South African troops evacuated Namibian territory and all war detainees and refugees were pardoned in 1989. Post-independence, the country has seen multiple political parties emerge and win seats at the National Assembly.

Namibia Today: Economy, Entertainment, and International Relations Globally recognized for its stunning aesthetics, Namibia boasts numerous national parks and game reserves, such as Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast Park, Cape Cross Seal Reserve, and the famous Kalahari and Namib deserts. Its economy is dominated by mining with Namibia accounting for about 30% of total world diamond output; other mineral resources include uranium, copper, zinc, tin, silver, gold, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. With a GDP of nearly $14.368 billion as of 2019, it is considered to have a lower middle income economy despite high poverty rates. Despite past trials and tribulations, Namibia is a nation devoted to pragmatic progress and development. As an important member of southern Africa and the international community, including prestigious affiliations with the likes of United Nations, African Union, and Commonwealth of Nations, Namibia's history and its commitment to progress are undoubtedly compelling narratives on the African continent. History of Namibia, the Republic of Namibia.