Namibia is a country in south western Africa. On it's southern border is South Africa, to the east is Botswana & in the north Angola, other neighbouring countries include Zimbabwe & Zambia. Since independence in 1991 Namibia has become a major African tourist destination - popular due to it's vast distances and tiny populations. Travelers enjoy the desert vistas of the Namib Desert and some of the best game viewing in the world at Etosha National Park.

Some basic facts about the country:

• Area: 824,269 km2.
• Population: 1,727,183 people (1999)
• Capital of Namibia: Windhoek
• Official Language: English
• Other Languages: Oshiwambo, Afrikaans, Nama, Damara, Otjiherero, German, Rukwangali, Setswana, and others.
• Major Ethnic Groups: Owambo, Kwangali, Damara, Herero, Nama, San, Afrikaner, German, and others.

This is an incredibly varied country, it is home to two deserts, the Namib (the oldest desert in the world) and the Kalahari. As one travels towards the north and east the desert landscapes give way to tropical vegetation and the large Kavango, Kwando & Zambezi rivers.

The Atlantic ocean and the cold Benguela current border Namibia on the west, this is a rugged coastline and became known as the Skeleton Coast due to the high number of ship wrecks and the even higher mortality rate amongst the survivors. Find out more about the Geography of Namibia

Just over 2 million people share the vast spaces of Namibia, the country has one of the lowest population densities in the world with 1.5 people per square kilometre. It is thought that only about a quarter of the population live in urban areas, although this figure is certainly increasing as growing numbers of unemployed people leave their villages and farms.

The population of Namibia can be divided into 11 different ethnic groups.

Before Europeans ever set foot in Namibia, the territory was buzzing with activity. Unfortunately only little is known about these times, due to the fact that the Europeans were the first ones who ever sat down and wrote about what was happening. Traces of the events of this time can however still be found in the rich oral traditions that circulate in local communities. When the first Europeans settled in Namibia in the early decades of the 1800's, they found societies with complex social and cultural traditions.

Find out more about Namibian History and learn something about the concentration camp at Luderitz

The country boasts having 365 days of sunshine a year, this may not be entirely true, but days where the sun does not shine are rare. In fact throughout the winter months clouds are pretty much unheard of. Find out more about Namibian weather

While much of the landscape in Namibia is characterised by deserts and mountains, the country extends far enough north to have a varied range of plant life. The country can be split into four distinct vegetation zones. Learn more about the plants of Namibia

Mammals of Namibia

Namibia's 26 parks and reserves makes it's abundant wildlife one of its greatest tourist assets. The most famous of these parks is Etosha National Park which harbours 114 mammal species. There are 8 mammal species endemic to Namibia, including the Black faced Impala, several mice, gerbils and bats. This is a wildlife enthusiasts dream come true. Wildlife of Namibia

Feral Horses of the Namib Desert

The wild horses of the Namib Desert can be seen near Aus in southern Namibia.

Birds

There are some 620 species of birds in Namibia. The national bird used to be the Crimson breasted shrike (now known as the Crimson breasted boubou) as it's colours matched those of the Imperial German flag. However, as that is no longer politically correct the African fish eagle has now been named as national bird of Namibia.

There are many Namibians who can be considered great - we have tried to include a cross section of these from political to sporting heroes. Apologies to anyone who considers themselves great and has not made the cut - to be considered for inclusion you can send us an email at i_am_great_and_you_should_know_it@ego.huge

• Anton Lubowski - a Namibian freedom fighter
• Frankie Frederiks - a speedy Namibian
• Hendrik Witbooi - a freedom fighter - and the man on Namibia's bank notes
• Hifikepunye Pohamba - President of the Republic of Namibia
• Jonker Afrikaner - the founder of Windhoek
• Mandume - a Namibian King
• Sam Nujoma - father of the Namibian nation
• Samuel Maherero - a leader of the herero people